Sweeting turning heads with XFL’s Vipers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Having just scored his third touchdown as a professional last Sunday night against the D.C. Defenders, Cinque Sweeting crossed his arms and stood in front of a spirited opponents crowd.
Whoosh. Whoosh. Whoosh.
Streaks of yellow began whizzing by from a section of fans that were as busy constructing a winding snake out of empty beer cups as they were taking in the action.
“I actually grabbed one of the lemons,” Sweeting said outside his team’s locker room after the game. “I was supposed to take it as a souvenir, but I think I left it. The D.C. fans are something else. We knew it was going to be a rowdy game ... I feed off that energy. The lemons and stuff didn’t faze me.”
With the XFL’s Vegas Vipers, Sweeting is getting his introduction to the next level of football after being part of a three-headed monster at Slippery Rock University.
He’s adjusting quite well.
Sweeting is second on the team in receiving yards (157) and targets (17) and third in receptions (10). He’s tied for second in the league in receiving scores.
“Mentally, I’m at a really good point of my life right now,” Sweeting said. “My first professional opportunity and I’m taking full advantage of every opportunity that’s come my way. I’ve just got to keep stacking days and, you know, I’ll eventually be where I want to be.
“I’m still chasing that dream, coming from a small school. I still want to make it to the NFL, so this is just the first step to that goal.”
He’s auditioning at a pretty high level, as he’s one of four pass-catchers that have pulled in at least 10 passes and are averaging at least 15.0 yards per grab — the others being Houston’s Travell Harris and Jontre Kirklin and Washington’s Chris Blair.
Along with the numbers, he’s displaying an ability to line up wherever a team needs him to. His 26.2 yards per kick return are better than all but one other player.
“I’ve definitely showed my versatility,” Sweeting said. “I’ve been given opportunities to return the ball. I’ve had explosive returns. I’ve been positioned in the backfield, been able to show I can run the ball. And I’ve been playing outside and inside receiver.
“I think the biggest thing I’m showing any NFL GM or team is that I’m versatile and I’m bringing a lot of value to your team.”
With under a minute left and his team down by 14, Sweeting fielded a kickoff at the 10-yard line. He lost his footing on the Audi Field grass, popped back up, and shot through a gap. He got past midfield before grabbing at his hamstring and retreating out of bounds with a 44-yard effort.
“Without a doubt, nobody was catching me, man,” he said with a laugh. “Another unfortunate thing, though. But, like I said, it’s all in God’s hands. He has a plan and I won’t do anything to deter his plans.”
Prior to playing with the Vipers, Sweeting had workouts with the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. Despite what he’s been able to accomplish not even halfway through the spring go-round, he’s taking things day-by-day.
“This is a huge opportunity,” he said. “This is a dream come true. Coming from a small school, I haven’t played in front of a crowd like this. I’ve never had this sort of spotlight and exposure, so I’m very grateful. I’m just trying to enjoy it and soak up all of the little moments.”
