Former NFLer Geoff Schwartz (@GeoffSchwartz) began using Twitter while still in the league, but it was not until his retirement following the ’15 season that he began utilizing the platform for his work with several media outlets. Contributing to SiriusXM’s Pac-12 Radio, The Action Network, ESPN Radio and SB Nation, Schwartz said he “would not be where I was without Twitter.” As for his approach to social media, he said, “If I think my work will get a lot of play on social media, I’ll tweet about it. I’m not going to tweet every night I’m on Pac-12 Radio because over time people will get tired hearing about that. If I write an article or post gambling picks, I’ll tweet about them.” Schwartz regularly breaks down game film and brings a unique perspective -- that of an offensive lineman. Schwartz, who is repped by Debbie Spander at Wasserman, said, “I can’t show a major network what I’m doing any better than by posting a football video on Twitter and explaining how exactly something goes down.”
SOCIAL SNAPSHOT
Must-follows: PFT Commenter is just incredible. I know Barstool is going through some drama, but I favorite more of his tweets than anyone else. He’s so clever.
Favorite apps: The MLB app is the best one.
Average time per day on social media: A lot. I do three hours of radio and Tweetdeck is open the whole time. It’s probably too much a part of my life.
Getting direction from employers or on his own:
It’s on my own. I do as I please. I never had one employer tell me to stop tweeting or don’t do that. I’ve never had that problem.
What works and does not work:
Football videos work. When I post a video breaking down a play, people really appreciate smart analysis, and not in a way that’s too football heavy. It’s describing it in a way that people can really digest it. It’s also moderation. I can post a lot more, but I don’t.
Different point of view:
CBS has the kicking analyst, we have officials on all of the telecasts and my agent tried pitching around having offensive line experts in the studio and people just aren’t as interested in that as social media. There’s a need for a smart mind talking about offensive line play. It hurts us getting big analyst roles. Joe Thomas, for example, would be great on "Monday Night Football," but he is still learning and so am I. We are only viewed as knowing what happens in the box, but our position requires us to know more than that.
Engaging with fans:
It’s important to let people know you aren’t going to stand for stupidity. If you want to come at me and present a different take than mine, sure, go ahead. If you want to come at me, I’m coming back at you. I’ve watched the film, I’ve done my research and I have my opinion. I make it a point to not take it from everyone. If someone is thinking that and willing to tweet it, other people are probably thinking that, too. It’s a way to answer all those questions at once.
Using other platforms:
I have a Facebook professional account. I post offensive line videos purely on that account. Instagram is for my family. I have 9,000 followers and I post kid pictures and food.
Athletes who use Twitter well:
Matt Bowen, who is now at ESPN doing the NFL Matchup show. He does a fabulous job of breaking things down. Also, what Ross Tucker has done with his career.
If you know anyone who should be featured for their use of social media, send their name to us at jperez@sportsbusinessdaily.com.
