Pat Swilling
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| Pat Swilling | |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | October 25, 1964 |
| Place of birth |  Toccoa, Georgia |
| Position(s) | Linebacker |
| College | Georgia Tech |
| NFL Draft | 1986 / Round 3 / Pick 60 |
| Pro Bowls | 5 |
| Stats | |
| Statistics | |
| Team(s) | |
| 1986-1992 1993-1994 1995-1996, 1998 |
New Orleans Saints Detroit Lions Oakland Raiders |
Patrick Travis Swilling (born October 25, 1964 in Toccoa, Georgia), is a former New Orleans Saints linebacker who turned his popularity as a versatile, speedy pass rusher into a seat in the Louisiana state legislature. He earned 5 Pro Bowl Appearances.
New Orleans fielded fierce defenses in 1991 and 1992, led by one of the best linebacker units in the league. In 1991 Swilling had 17 sacks and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year. In 1992 linebackers Rickey Jackson, Vaughan Johnson, Sam Mills, and 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.
Swilling was traded to the Detroit Lions in 1993 for draft picks. In his first year with Detroit he made it to his fifth and final Pro Bowl. The Detroit Lions qualified for the playoffs in both of Swilling's seasons with the team, being eliminated each time, in the first round, by the Green Bay Packers. Swilling finished his craeer with 107.5 sacks.[1]
[edit] Facts
- Was a third round pick in 1986.
- Swilling is the all time sack leader at Georgia Tech.[citation needed]
- 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.
