HJ692: Commending Josh Sweat.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 692

Offered February 1, 2021
Commending Josh Sweat.

Patrons-- Hayes, Adams, D.M., Carr, Cole, M.L., Convirs-Fowler, Delaney, Heretick, Hope, Hurst, Kory, McQuinn, Rasoul, Reid, Simonds and Ware; Senators: Spruill, Boysko, Deeds, Howell and Marsden

WHEREAS, Josh Sweat, a native of Chesapeake who currently plays defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles in the National Football League, has inspired legions of fans throughout his career; and

WHEREAS, Josh Sweat was a member of the Oscar F. Smith High School football team in Chesapeake that won the Virginia High School League AAA Division 6 state championship in 2011 and that was runner-up in 2013; and

WHEREAS, Josh Sweat tallied 94 tackles and 22 sacks during his junior year at Oscar F. Smith High School and was both a top prospect in the Commonwealth and one of the highest-rated defensive ends in the nation in the Class of 2015, despite suffering a season-ending injury two games into his senior year; and

WHEREAS, Josh Sweat played three seasons with the Florida State Seminoles from 2015 to 2017, leading the team in sacks in his final year and making the watch list for the Football Writers Association of America’s Bronko Nagurski Trophy for best defensive player in the National Collegiate Athletic Association; and

WHEREAS, selected 130th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2018 National Football League Draft, Josh Sweat has been a dominating presence on the gridiron over his three seasons with the team; and

WHEREAS, Josh Sweat continues to grow as a player and notched 38 tackles, six sacks, and three forced fumbles during the 2020 season, including a pivotal play during the match-up with the New Orleans Saints on December 13, 2020, that helped secure victory for the Philadelphia Eagles; and

WHEREAS, Josh Sweat has demonstrated what one can achieve through hard work, grit, and determination, motivating young athletes in Chesapeake and the Commonwealth to strive for their goals and achieve their dreams; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Josh Sweat, a Chesapeake native and standout player in the National Football League, for serving as an inspirational role model to countless young fans; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Josh Sweat as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his achievements and best wishes for his continued success.