Pat Swilling - Definition and Overview

Born 1964

Former New Orleans Saints linebacker who turned his popularity as a versatile, speedy pass rusher into a seat in the Louisiana state legislature. Earned 5 Pro Bowl Appearances.

New Orleans assembled the NFC’s toughest defense in 1990 and 1991, led by one of the best linebacker units in the league. In 1992 linebackers Rickey Jackson, Vaughn Johnson, Sam Mills, and Pat Swilling all played in the Pro Bowl, and the Saints led the league in quarterback sacks. Despite its tenacious defense, the team lost in the first round each time it made the playoffs. At the end of the 1996 season, former Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka replaced Jim Mora.

Swilling was traded to the Detroit Lionsin 1993 for draft picks and was utilized as a third down pass rush specialist who could play either as a linebacker or in a three point stance like a Defensive End. In his first year with Detroit he made it to his fifth and final Pro Bowl.

FACTS

• Was a third round pick in 1986
• Swilling is the all time sack leader at Georgia Tech
• Was the leader of a defensive unit nicknamed "The Dome Patrol"
• In order to sign Swilling Detroit had to “unretire” the legendary Joe Schmidt’s number
• Was once interested in running for Sheriff in New Orleans
• In 1991 Swilling was named The NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press.