Svitek played in 88 games at Stanford University, where he played defensive end and tight end. He recorded 60 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, one forced fumble, and an interception. He graduated in 2004 with a degree in political science and a minor in communications.
Professional career
Kansas City Chiefs
Svitek joined the Chiefs as the first of the club's two sixth-round selections in the 2005 NFL Draft. 2005—Sixth-round Kansas City draft choice played in one game, November 6 vs. Oakland, and was on roster as game day inactive for the other 15 contests... Was converted to OL after playing DE in college. 2006—Played in spring for Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe, helping team to World Bowl championship and league rushing title... Played in two games for Kansas City before being played on Reserve/Injured list with knee injury on October 28. 2007—His four starts came in the season's last four games... First career start was December 9 at Denver
Atlanta Falcons
Svitek was signed by the Atlanta Falcons on February 12, 2009. Signed a two-year extension in 2011 with a $1.26 million signing bonus, making $2 million in 2011 and $1.75 million in 2012. 2009—Signed with Atlanta as free agent and played in 13 games with two starts for 9-7 team. 2010—Played in all 16 games for Atlanta's 13-3 NFC South championship team, and credited with a start in Divisional playoff vs. Green Bay when he took opening snap as an extra blocking TE. 2011—Played in every game, with 10 starts at LOT, for Falcons team that earned Wild Card playoff spot with 10-6 record... Started at LOT in playoff at N.Y. Giants... Took over as starting LOT as an injury replacement on October 23 at Detroit and did not relinquish the spot, credited in coaches' statistics with allowing only 1.5 sacks on 376 pass plays as a starter... Aided QB Matt Ryan's performance of 29 TD passes with just 12 INTs. 2012—Spent entire season on Atlanta's reserve/injured list, due to arm injury.
New England Patriots
On March 17, 2013, Svitek signed with the New England Patriots. He signed a one-year contract for $1 million 2013: Signed with New England as unrestricted free agent and helped Patriots to a 12-4 season and berth in AFC Championship game ... Inactive for Games 1-3 due to injury and played in last 13 regular-season games, plus both postseason contests... Patriots were winners in his two starts at ROT as an injury replacement, averaging 30.5 points in wins December 1 at Houston and December 8 vs. Cleveland... Also saw significant action at ROT in 34-31 win November 24 vs. Denver.
Cincinnati Bengals
On June 11, 2014, Svitek signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. Ninth-year pro joins Bengals as a free agent in 2014... Played in 13 games with two starts for New England last season, and also played in both of the Patriots' postseason games... Has played in 74 NFL games with 18 starts in regular season and four games with two starts in postseason... Prior to 2013, played with Kansas City and Atlanta.
Tennessee Titans
On October 14, 2014, he was signed by the Tennessee Titans to replace the roster spot of Michael Roos who was put on IR.
Retirement
He retired after the 2014 season with the Titans.
Personal life
Hometown is Newbury Park, California, 44 miles northwest of Los Angeles... Attended Newbury Park High School, where he played DE and TE and earned honorable mention All-America honors as a senior from USA Today... Also as a prep senior, named Ventura County High School Athlete of the Year and Division II California Athlete of the Year by Cal Hi Sports... Won two Junior Olympics decathlon national championships as a high school athlete... Traveled to Middle East in 2009 as part of NFL group visiting U.S. military... Has participated in NFL Business Management and Entrepreneurial Programs at Harvard Business School, Wharton School of Business, Kellogg School of Management, Notre Dame Business School, Stanford Business School, and most recently attended classes at Wharton's San Francisco campus this past off-season. Appeared on the Fox Business Channel as a guest on Money with Mellisa Francis during the Super Bowl week. Spoke at the NFL Rookie Symposium in June 2014 on the "Defining Success" panel. Visited the island of Diego Garcia to visit the troops for the 2015 Super Bowl. This was part of the NFL and Armed Forces Entertainment. Took part of the 2015 NFL USO Tour in March where he traveled to 8 military bases in Kuwait, United Emirates, and in East Africa. Provided support and morale for the troops deployed. He's been an active supporter of military appreciation, working on several projects with the USO and the Wounder Warrior Project. Is an avid traveler with having been to over 30 countries across the world. Last name is pronounced “SVEE-tek.” Currently resides in Hermosa Beach, California.
