He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers and was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round of the 2007 NFL draft.
[2][3] He was considered a top high school prospect and was invited to participate in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
[4] He has an older brother (Kevin Sears) who played linebacker for Auburn University, and they faced each other twice in the 2004 season.
Sears was named the Buccaneers' starter at left guard from Week 1 and did not disappoint, garnering a selection to the 2007 NFL All-Rookie Team for his efforts.
[11] Sears sued the NFL and the Buccaneers in 2012 because of the head trauma he experienced in his career leaving him unable to care for himself.