Athletes - Lynn Swann

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	Athletes - Lynn Swann

Lynn Curtis Swann (born March 7, 1952, in Alcoa, Tennessee) is a former professional football player and current sports broadcaster and candidate for political office. Swann went to Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, California.

Football career

Swann was an All-American at the University of Southern California, and was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 21st pick of the first round in the 1974 NFL Draft. Swann is best known for his play as a wide receiver from 1974 to 1982 with the Steelers, the only team for which he played.

Although Swann never recorded more then 880 receiving yards in a single season, his superb catching ability and clutch performance was vital to the Steelers success in the 1970's. He also was superb compliment to fellow receiver John Stallworth, who ended his career as the Steelers all time leading receiver.

As a rookie, he lead the NFL with 577 punt return yards, a franchise record and the fourth most in NFL history at the time. He went on to win a championship ring with the Steelers in Super Bowl IX but did not record any receptions in the tough defensive struggle(Pittsburgh quarterback Terry Bradshaw completed only 9 passes in the game).

The following season became the highlight of Swann's career. He caught 49 passes for 781 yards and a league leading 11 touchdowns. In the AFC title game against the Los Angeles Raiders he suffered a severe concussion that forced him to spend 2 days in a hospital, but suprised many by returning to play for Super Bowl X. Swann recorded 4 catches for a Super Bowl record 161 yards and a touchdown in the game, assisting the Steelers to a 21-17 win and becoming the first wide receiver to earn Super Bowl MVP honors.

2 seasons later, the Steelers made it to Super Bowl XIII, and Swann once again had an outstanding performance. He caught 7 passes for 124 yards and scored the final touchdown for Pittsburgh in their 35-31 win over the Dallas Cowboys. The Steelers made it back to the Super Bowl again in the 1979 season, and for the 3rd time, Swann was a key component in the Steelers win. He caught 5 passes for 79 yards and a touchdown in Pittsburgh's 31-19 win in Super Bowl XIV. Overall, Swann gained 364 receiving yards in his 4 Super Bowls, which was a Super Bowl record at the time.

Swann retired after the 1982 season with 336 career receptions for 5,462 yards and 51 touchdowns. He also rushed for 72 yards and gained 739 yards and a touchdown on punt returns. Swann was a pro bowl selection 3 times(1975, 1977, 1978) and was selected on the 1970's all-decade team.

He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1993. Though his professional career didn't yield large statistics, Swann was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001.

Post-football career

Swann is the Chairman of the United States President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and serves as a director on the boards of H J Heinz Co. and Wyndham International. He has been a football and sports broadcaster for ABC Sports since 1976. Swann also briefly hosted the televison game show To Tell The Truth on NBC from 1990 to 1991. His fourteen week run as emcee met with critical disdain, and he was replaced by Alex Trebek.

2006 Gubernatorial candidacy

In December 2004, Swann, who resides in the Pittsburgh suburb of Sewickley Heights, Pennsylvania, indicated that he was considering seeking the Republican nomination for Governor of Pennsylvania in the 2006 election. On February 23, 2005, Swann filed papers with the state elections board stating his intention to run. On the same day he formed a fundraising committee called Team 88 after his Steeler jersey number. On January 4, 2006, Swann formally declared his candidacy for Governor of Pennsylvania.

Swann's opponents in the Republican primary scheduled for May 16, 2006 had initally included Jim Panyard, Pennsylvania State Senator Jeff Piccola, and former Pennsylvania Lt. Governor William W. Scranton, III. Once Swann received the endorsment of the Republican state committee on February 11, 2006, all three opponents were gone from the race, leaving Swann with a clear path to the general election on on November 7, 2006. He is expected to face the incumbent, Democratic Governor Ed Rendell.

The most recent polling, conducted in February 2006 by Rasmussen Reports, showed Swann trailing Rendell by 3 points in a hypothetical general election matchup, (43% to Rendell's 46%). .

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Athletes - Lynn Swann

Football career

Post-football career

2006 Gubernatorial candidacy

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