"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

"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

Lynn Swann became an artist in the world of football.  While in high school, he was an AII-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 AlI-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, Swan 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.