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 Lynn
C. Swann, a resident of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, often
tells the story of what happened to him as the youngest
of three boys, when his mother
enrolled him in dance school as an eight year old child.
What did people have to say about that?
"l always thought that what
Swann did was a higher art form than what Baryshnikov
is doing because I know that Swann is not as good a
dancer as Baryshnikov, but I would like to see Baryshnikov
dance while people are trying to separate his head from
his body...and I'd like to see Baryshnikov catch a bullet
pass while doing this stuff. I think that some of the
things that Swann did with his body...I hope...would
be available to art historians."
Roy Blount, Jr./Author
Commentary in Autumn Ritual
NFL Films Television Production, 1986
"Maybe the most perfect wide
receiver of his time."
Howard Cosell/Monday Night Football
November 17, 1980
"...the Baryshnikov of football..."
Curt Gowdy, Sr./Super Bowl X
January 16, 1976
Lynn Swann became an artist in the
world of football. While in high school, he was an
All-American in football; he was also California Long
Jump Champion, and he was still dancing.
Accepting a scholarship to the University
of Southern California (USC), Swann played football
on two Rose Bowl teams. He played for the National
Champions in 1972, and was team captain and most valuable
player (MVP) in 1973. He was selected as an All-American,
and was drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh
Steelers. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree
in Public Relations from the USC School of Journalism
and was still dancing.
For nine years, Lynn Swann was a
vital player with the Steelers as they won four Super
Bowls. He was named to the All-Rookie Team in ‘74,
Pro Bowl in ‘76, ‘78, ‘79, MVP of Super
Bowl X in ‘76, and was selected NFL Man of the
Year in ‘81. In 2001, Swann was inducted into
the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
All the dancing paid off. Swan appeared
on stage with Gene Kelly, with ballet star Peter Martins
and with dancer/choreographer Twyla Tharp in a 1980
Omnibus television special.
Lynn Swann began his broadcasting
career in 1976 while still active with the Pittsburgh
Steelers. Upon retirement in January, 1983, Swann began
his career full-time with ABC Sports, which continues
through today. Swann has broadcast a variety of events
as a host, reporter, and analyst. Included in these
events are: the 1984 Summer Olympics, the Winter Games
in 1988, the Iditarod Trail sled dog race, International
Diving Championships. USFL, NCAA, College and Monday
Night Football, the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont
Stakes, the Irish Derby and Wide World of Sports.
Away from work, Lynn Swann is an active
community volunteer. He is on several boards of directors,
and is a spokesperson for several national organizations.
He has received numerous honors for outstanding service
and contributions for the continued growth and development
of our nation's young people. He has provided over 100
scholarships to the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School
for children between the ages of 10 and 18.
Since 1980, Lynn Swann has been the
National Spokesman for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
He now serves on their National Board of Directors and
was President of the national board from 1993 to 1995.
He has traveled across the country and visited the White
House on behalf of the nation's premiere one-to-one
mentoring organization.
In his free time, Lynn Swann enjoys
playing golf, gourmet cooking, and collecting fine wines.
Lynn Swann served as chairman of
the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
from June 20, 2002 to July 30, 2005.
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