Sargent redshirted his first year at Eastern Washington before starting 43 consecutive games.[3] He was considered one of the best offensive tackles in
NCAA Division I-AA.[2]
Professional career
After going undrafted in the
1992 NFL draft due to a perceived lack of strength,[2] Sargent signed a
free agent contract with the
Cincinnati Bengals.[4] He started eight games at left tackle as a rookie in place of an injured
Anthony Muñoz, whom Sargent credits for mentoring him.[5] Sargent was named the starting left tackle ahead of the 1993 season, but broke his arm in the season opener against the
Cleveland Browns, which required two surgeries.[6] He was medically cleared to begin practicing in time for the following season's training camp.[7]
Sargent returned from injury in 1994 and started the season as Cincinnati's starting right tackle in place of an injured
Joe Walter.[8] He was moved back to left tackle in 1995.[9] Sargent underwent ankle surgery after the season.[10] Furthermore, he underwent neck surgery that August to repair a
herniated disk, forcing him to miss the entire 1996 season.[11] Regardless, in early 1997, Sargent re-signed with the Bengals on a two-year, $975,000 deal.[12] He made his return on November 2, 1997, replacing
Rod Jones as the starting left tackle and helping the Bengals rush for 174 yards against the
San Diego Chargers.[13][14] Sargent started the last eight games of the season, helping them to a 6–2 record.[15]
Ahead of the 1998 season, Sargent signed a four-year, $12 million contract with a $3.5 million
signing bonus, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in Bengals history.[16][17] He started all 16 games that year, but was forced to retire during the 1999 preseason due to numbness and tingling in his hands, arms, and back.[18]