Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat said Tuesday that he unintentionally took a banned substance that led to a two-game suspension for violating the NFL's performance enhancing substances policy. "It definitely was accidental," Sweat said. "It was a surprise. But you take a lick on the chin and keep moving forward."
Sweat, 30, sat out back-to-back wins over the Falcons and Patriots. He was reinstated Oct. 23, one day after Chicago beat New England, and will return to action in Week 8 when the Bears play the Seahawks on "Monday Night Football." He called it "devastating" to be away from his team and to face the consequences the suspension will have on his reputation. "It's definitely something I've got to live with for my career," he said. "I never want to cheat the game."
Sweat declined to give specifics about what led to his failed test or when he tested positive, but he clarified that there was no wrongdoing by the Bears nutritional or training staff. He did not consider appealing and took "full responsibility" for his actions, though he did not commit to specific changes to his regimen. "I haven't wound up with a positive like that before," he said.
The suspension also carried a significant financial penalty. Sweat forfeited $2.3 million of his 2026 base salary for missing two games, and the guarantees on the remaining $12.7 million he is owed this season and all future years ($21 million in 2027) have been voided. Sweat, who signed a four-year, $98 million deal in 2023, had a career-high 12.5 sacks that season and recorded 10 sacks in 2025. Coach Ben Johnson called 2025 the edge rusher's best pro season. "The only thing I can do now is just look forward and continue to play," Sweat said.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing