Hubbry Logo
Pat SwillingPat SwillingMain
Open search
Pat Swilling
Community hub
Pat Swilling
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Pat Swilling
Pat Swilling
from Wikipedia

Patrick Travis Swilling (born October 25, 1964) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, and the Oakland Raiders. He had five Pro Bowl appearances in his NFL career and was the Associated Press (AP) NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1991. He served from 2001 to 2004 as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives.

Key Information

College career

[edit]

Swilling played for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. He set the NCAA record for sacks in a game, with seven against North Carolina State and the Georgia Tech mark for sacks in a season (15). Voted first-team All-America in 1985, Swilling left Georgia Tech as the all-time sack leader and now ranks 5th.[1]

Professional career

[edit]

The New Orleans Saints drafted Swilling in the third round of the 1986 NFL Draft.[2] The Saints fielded fierce defenses in 1991 and 1992, led by the best linebacker unit in the history of the league.[3] In 1991, he had 17 sacks and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year. In 1992, linebackers Rickey Jackson, Vaughan Johnson, Sam Mills, and Swilling, also known as the Dome Patrol, 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 during this time.

Swilling was traded to the Detroit Lions in 1993 for draft picks. In order to sign him, Detroit had to "unretire" the legendary Joe Schmidt’s number 56. 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. He signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Raiders in April of 1995. He finished his career with 107.5 sacks.[4][5]

Swilling lost all six playoff games he played in; no other player in NFL history has more losses, in the postseason, without a win.[6]

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Legend
NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Led the league
NFL record
Bold Career high

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck Int Yds TD FF FR
1986 NO 16 0 26 4.0 0 0 0 0 0
1987 NO 12 12 49 10.5 1 10 0 3 3
1988 NO 15 14 51 7.0 0 0 0 3 1
1989 NO 16 15 56 16.5 1 14 0 5 1
1990 NO 16 16 63 11.0 0 0 0 4 0
1991 NO 16 16 60 17.0 1 39 1 6 1
1992 NO 16 16 49 10.5 0 0 0 3 1
1993 DET 14 14 29 6.5 3 16 0 5 1
1994 DET 16 7 28 21 7 3.5 0 0 0 0 1
1995 OAK 16 16 36 31 5 13.0 0 0 0 5 0
1996 OAK 16 16 26 21 5 6.0 0 0 0 2 1
1998 OAK 16 0 17 12 5 2.0 0 0 0 0 1
Career 185 142 490 85 22 107.5 6 79 1 36 11

Personal life

[edit]

Swilling was a professional football player from 1986 to 1998. In 2001, he won a special election as a Democrat to the Louisiana House for District 100 in New Orleans. He served for three years with assignments on the House Education, Retirement, and Transportation committees.[7] He lost his bid for a full term as representative in the 2003 runoff election to his fellow Democrat Austin Badon, who polled 6,688 votes (53.3 percent) to Swilling's 5,851 (46.7 percent).[8]

On April 30, 2009, Swilling was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame. He is currently a real estate developer in New Orleans. His son, Pat Swilling Jr. signed to play basketball at the University of Tulsa on May 24, 2012.[9] Two of his sons, Bruce Jordan-Swilling and Tre Swilling, play on the Georgia Tech football team. As of the 2020–2021 season, Bruce is a senior linebacker and Tre is a redshirt junior defensive back.[10][11]

Swilling's son, Tre Swilling is a professional cornerback.[12]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Pat Swilling (born October 25, 1964) is an American former professional football linebacker who played twelve seasons in the (), primarily as a standout pass rusher for the . Drafted by the Saints in the third round out of in 1986, he formed a cornerstone of the team's acclaimed linebacker group alongside , , and Vaughn Johnson, which anchored New Orleans' defenses during their first playoff appearances and the 1991 championship. Over his career with the Saints (1986–1992), (1993–1994), and (1995–1996, 1998), Swilling recorded 107.5 sacks, 490 combined tackles, and 24 forced fumbles, ranking among the league's elite defenders of his era. Swilling's pinnacle achievements include leading the NFL with 17 sacks in 1991, earning Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors that season, and securing five Pro Bowl nods (1989–1993) along with first-team All-Pro recognition in 1991 and 1992. His contributions helped transform the Saints from perennial also-rans into contenders, with the Dome Patrol collectively producing multiple All-Pro seasons and revolutionizing the franchise's defensive identity in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Inducted into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame in 2000 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009, Swilling has recently advanced in Pro Football Hall of Fame senior committee deliberations, underscoring his enduring legacy. After retiring, Swilling transitioned into , winning a special election to represent Louisiana's 100th House District as a Republican from 2001 to 2004, focusing on issues pertinent to his New Orleans constituency. He has since remained active in community and business endeavors in the Greater New Orleans area, including , while occasionally appearing in Saints alumni events to reflect on his tenure.

Early Life and Education

Childhood in Georgia and Athletic Development

Patrick Travis Swilling was born on October 25, 1964, in Toccoa, Georgia, a small rural town in the northeastern part of the state. Growing up on a farm in Toccoa, he initially concentrated on basketball and baseball rather than football, leveraging his exceptional height—he stood 6 feet 3 inches tall by his freshman year of high school—which gave him a physical edge in those sports. His mother discouraged early involvement in football due to safety concerns. Swilling's interest in football ignited at age 12 when he watched defensive end Ed "Too Tall" Jones execute a sack on television, inspiring him to envision himself in a similar role. He joined the Stephens County team as a freshman in 1977, entering at 6 feet 3 to 6 feet 4 inches tall and 195 to 200 pounds, which allowed him to contribute immediately as a despite his late start in the sport. Over his high school career at Stephens County, Swilling honed his pass-rushing skills, emerging as one of Georgia's top performers by his senior year in the Class of 1981, where he dominated as a defensive standout and drew recruitment from Division I programs such as Auburn and . Local NFL Hall of Famer , a Toccoa resident who had played for the , mentored him and affirmed his potential for professional football. This period marked his transition from multi-sport athlete to focused football prospect, setting the foundation for his collegiate success.

College Career at Georgia Tech

Swilling played for the as a from 1982 to 1985, emerging as a key contributor to the team's defense. During his tenure, he amassed 285 tackles, ranking fifth in program history at the time of his graduation. His disruptive presence was particularly evident in pass-rushing, where he recorded 23 sacks—establishing a school record that stood for decades—and 37 tackles for loss, also a program benchmark upon his departure, though he now ranks fourth in both categories. In his senior year of 1985, Swilling achieved national prominence by setting the NCAA single-game record for sacks with seven against North Carolina State, a mark that underscored his dominance as a pass rusher. That season, he earned first-team All-American honors and first-team All-ACC recognition, reflecting his impact on Georgia Tech's defensive unit. These performances contributed to his selection in the third round (73rd overall) of the by the . Swilling's college achievements were later honored with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009, recognizing his record-setting production and leadership on the Yellow Jackets' line.

NFL Career

Tenure with the New Orleans Saints (1986–1992)

Swilling was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the third round (60th overall) of the 1986 NFL Draft out of Georgia Tech. As a rookie, he appeared in all 16 games without a start, recording 26 solo tackles and 4.0 sacks while primarily serving as a rotational outside linebacker. He transitioned to a full-time starter in 1987 amid the Saints' first playoff appearance, playing 12 games with 49 solo tackles, 10.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. Swilling emerged as a key member of the "," the Saints' acclaimed linebacker unit that also included , , and , which anchored top-ranked defenses in the early 1990s. In 1988, he started 14 of 15 games, amassing 51 solo tackles, 7.0 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles, contributing to the team's defensive resurgence under Jim Mora. His pass-rushing prowess solidified the group's reputation for disrupting offenses, as evidenced by his consistent double-digit sack totals starting that season. Swilling reached his peak from 1989 to 1992, earning four consecutive selections and multiple honors while helping the Saints to three additional playoff berths (1990–1992), their first four in franchise history. In 1989, he recorded 16.5 sacks (fourth in the ) across 15 starts, followed by 11.0 sacks in 1990, both earning second-team recognition. His 1991 season stood out with 17.0 sacks to lead the league, 60 solo tackles, 6 forced fumbles, and 1 returned for a , culminating in first-team honors and the NFC Defensive Player of the Year award. He closed his Saints tenure in 1992 with 10.5 sacks and first-team status in 16 starts. Over seven seasons with New Orleans, Swilling played 107 games with 89 starts, accumulating 354 tackles, 76.5 sacks (third in franchise history), 24 forced fumbles, 7 fumble recoveries, and 3 interceptions. His contributions were instrumental in elevating the Saints' defense to elite status, particularly in and turnover creation.
YearGames (Starts)SacksForced FumblesSolo Tackles
198616 (0)4.0026
198712 (12)10.5349
198815 (14)7.0451
198916 (15)16.5656
199016 (16)11.0463
199116 (16)17.0660
199216 (16)10.5349
Table sourced from Pro-Football-Reference.com

Stints with the Detroit Lions and Oakland Raiders (1993–1999)

Swilling was traded from the New Orleans Saints to the on April 25, 1993, in exchange for Detroit's first-round (eighth overall) and fourth-round draft selections. In his debut season with the Lions, he recorded 6.5 sacks, three interceptions, and five forced fumbles across 14 games with 14 starts, earning selection to the . His performance contributed to Detroit's defense, though the team finished 10-6 and lost in the NFC Divisional playoffs. The following year, in 1994, Swilling appeared in all 16 games but started only seven, tallying 3.5 sacks and 28 tackles amid a Lions squad that again reached the playoffs but fell in the Wild Card round.
YearTeamGPGSTacklesSacksFFINT
1993DET1414296.553
1994DET167283.510
Following his Lions tenure, Swilling signed with the as a prior to the 1995 season. He rebounded strongly that year, leading the team with 13 sacks and five forced fumbles in 16 starts, helping Oakland's defense rank among the league's better units with 46 total sacks. In 1996, he added six sacks and two forced fumbles over another 16 starts, but retired after the season. Swilling returned for one final stint in , playing all 16 games without a start and recording two sacks, before retiring permanently. Over his Raiders career, he amassed 21 sacks in 48 games.
YearTeamGPGSTacklesSacksFFINT
1995OAK1616361350
1996OAK161626620
1998OAK16017200

Career Statistics and Accomplishments

Professional Statistics

Pat Swilling amassed 107.5 quarterback sacks over 185 regular-season games in a 12-year career spanning 1986 to 1998, establishing himself as one of the league's premier pass rushers during his prime with the . His sack total ranks 47th all-time among NFL defenders, with 71.5 of those coming during his seven seasons in New Orleans (1986–1992), where he frequently ranked among league leaders. Swilling also recorded an estimated 490 combined tackles (468 solo, 22 assisted), 6 interceptions (including 1 returned for a touchdown), 10 fumble recoveries, and 12 forced fumbles in officially tracked seasons post-1991. Swilling's sack production peaked in 1991 with the Saints, when he led the with 17.0 sacks alongside 60 tackles and 6 forced fumbles. He exceeded 10 sacks in five seasons, including a career-best 16.5 in 1989. Later stints with the (1993–1994) and (1995–1996, 1998) yielded 31.0 additional sacks, though injuries and age limited his output in his final years. The following table summarizes Swilling's regular-season sacks by year:
YearTeamGames PlayedSacks
1986NOR164.0
1987NOR1210.5
1988NOR157.0
1989NOR1616.5
1990NOR1611.0
1991NOR1617.0
1992NOR1110.5
1993DET166.5
1994DET103.5
19951613.0
1996166.0
1998152.0
Career185107.5
Note: Tackle and forced fumble data prior to 1994 are unofficial estimates, as the did not systematically track them league-wide until then.

Awards, Honors, and Records

Swilling was named the Defensive Player of the Year in 1991, when he recorded a league-leading 17 sacks, 60 tackles, and six forced fumbles while playing for the . He led the in sacks that season, marking the highest single-season total of his career. He earned first-team honors from the in 1991 and 1992, and second-team recognition in 1989 and 1990. Swilling was selected to five consecutive Pro Bowls from 1989 to 1993, including four during his tenure with the Saints and one with the . As a key member of the Saints' "Dome Patrol" linebacker group alongside , , and , Swilling contributed to the unit's collective selections in 1992, the only year all four linebackers achieved that honor simultaneously. Swilling was inducted into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame for his contributions to the franchise. He received further recognition with induction into the in 2009, honoring his college performance at , where he set the school record for sacks in a single game with seven against NC State in 1985.

Post-Retirement Activities

Political Career in New Orleans

Swilling entered politics following his NFL retirement, winning a special election as a Democrat to represent District 100, which covers portions of eastern New Orleans including the Gentilly and neighborhoods. He was officially proclaimed duly elected on March 26, 2001, succeeding the previous representative in a seat focused on local issues such as urban development and in the district. During his tenure from 2001 to 2004, Swilling served on the committees for , Retirement, and Transportation, addressing policy matters relevant to New Orleans constituents, including school funding and improvements in flood-prone areas. His legislative work emphasized , drawing on his local prominence as a former Saints player to advocate for economic revitalization in District 100. Swilling sought a full term in the 2003 election but lost in the runoff to fellow Democrat Austin Badon, who secured victory with 6,688 votes to Swilling's margin, ending his political service after one partial term. This defeat marked the conclusion of his brief electoral career, after which he transitioned to in New Orleans.

Business and Community Involvement

Following his NFL retirement, Pat Swilling established a career in in New Orleans, emphasizing and construction projects to revitalize the local area. He intensified these efforts after in 2005, contributing to the city's rebuilding through property development initiatives. Swilling has described his commitment to this sector as paralleling his passion for football, with a focus on erecting buildings and fostering community resurgence. In community engagement, Swilling actively participates in events organized by the New Orleans Saints Legends program. On April 22, 2025, he joined Saints representatives and the Saints Cheer Krewe at a Goodwill Earth Day event to promote electronic waste recycling, collecting discarded devices from residents. Earlier that month, on April 21, 2025, he visited the Pontchartrain Park Senior Center with fellow Saints legends Rickey Jackson and Devery Henderson, engaging over 100 seniors in games as part of a Caesars Sportsbook initiative. Additionally, in June 2025, Swilling supported the annual Battle of the Branches competition hosted by the Saints and Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, aimed at first responders. These activities underscore his ongoing role in local outreach, often tied to environmental, senior, and public safety causes.

Personal Life

Family Background and Relationships

Pat Swilling was born on October 25, 1964, in . His mother expressed reservations about her sons engaging in football at a young age, influencing his early athletic pursuits away from the sport. Swilling's father died in September 1993, prompting him to travel to following the loss during his NFL tenure with the . Swilling has been married to Robin Swilling since before 1992, when the couple already had two young children. Together, they raised three biological children: sons Patrick Swilling Jr. and Tre Swilling, and daughter Starr Swilling. Patrick Jr. pursued basketball, signing to play at the in 2012. In 2010, the Swillings expanded their family by adopting Bruce Jordan-Swilling, who joined his siblings after the family provided him stability amid earlier personal challenges. Tre Swilling, born circa 1999, and Bruce Jordan-Swilling both followed their father's path into competitive football, with Tre entering the . The brothers developed a close bond, reinforced by shared family experiences and athletic commitments, including attending .

Philanthropic Efforts and Public Persona

Following his NFL retirement, Pat Swilling has engaged in community service primarily through appearances as a New Orleans Saints legend, participating in outreach events focused on environmental sustainability, senior engagement, and support for veterans and health causes. On April 22, 2025, Swilling joined the Saints' Sir Saint mascot and Cheer Krewe at a Goodwill Industries e-waste recycling drive in New Orleans to promote responsible disposal of electronics during Earth Day activities. Earlier that month, on April 18, 2025, he collaborated with fellow Saints alumni Rickey Jackson and Devery Henderson at the Pontchartrain Park Senior Center for a Caesars New Orleans Casino Fun Day, playing games with approximately 100 local seniors to foster community interaction. Additionally, Swilling has taken part in the annual Gleason Celebrity Golf Classic, benefiting Team Gleason, a foundation aiding ALS patients founded by former Saints player Steve Gleason. Swilling's philanthropic activities align with broader alumni initiatives emphasizing charitable and inclusive community responsibility, as evidenced by his association with the Alumni Gear Up program. In July 2025, he participated in the Battle of the Branches event hosted by the Saints and law firm Dudley DeBosier, which featured competitions among military branches to honor service members, alongside other Saints legends. These efforts reflect a pattern of leveraging his athletic prominence for local impact without a dedicated personal foundation identified in public records. Publicly, Swilling maintains a as a steadfast New Orleans figure, having remained in the city post-career to pursue and development while expressing commitment to reciprocating community support received during his playing tenure. Described in NFL media as an "All-Pro Man" integral to local fabric, he embodies loyalty to the Saints franchise and its fanbase, often highlighting team contributions to the city's identity amid ongoing discussions of his candidacy. This image underscores a transition from on-field intensity to off-field stewardship, prioritizing regional ties over national relocation.

Legacy

Impact on the Dome Patrol and Saints Franchise

Pat Swilling served as the premier pass-rushing outside linebacker in the ' "" unit, which consisted of Swilling, , , and from 1987 to 1992, complementing the group's run-stopping prowess with his exceptional speed off the edge. His quick first step enabled disruptive pressures on quarterbacks, contributing to the unit's collective dominance in a 3-4 defensive scheme under coordinator . During this period, Swilling amassed 66.5 of his career 76.5 sacks with the Saints, including NFL-leading totals of 17.0 in 1991, when he earned Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year honors, and consistent double-digit outputs in four consecutive seasons from 1989 to 1992. The Dome Patrol's synergy, bolstered by Swilling's 18.5 sacks alongside Jackson's in 1991 alone, propelled the Saints' defense to elite status, ranking second league-wide in points allowed at 16.4 per game and third in total yards from 1987 to 1992. This performance marked a stark turnaround for a franchise that had endured 19 consecutive losing seasons prior to 1987, facilitating three playoff berths (1987, 1990, 1991) and the Saints' first-ever playoff victory against the on January 10, 1988. Swilling's 354 tackles, 24 forced fumbles, and seven recoveries during his seven Saints seasons (1986-1992) underscored his versatility, forcing opponents to account for his blitzing ability and thus opening lanes for Mills and Johnson inside. Swilling's departure via trade to the after the 1992 season, in which all four members earned selections—the only such occurrence in history—signaled the unit's dissolution and a decline in the Saints' defensive rankings thereafter. His contributions helped establish a franchise benchmark for linebacker excellence, with the group combining for 18 nods and 12 honors, elevating the Saints from expansion-era irrelevance to consistent contenders and influencing subsequent defensive identities in New Orleans. Swilling's sack totals rank third in Saints history, reflecting his pivotal role in forging a defensive legacy that remains the standard for linebacker corps.

Hall of Fame Candidacy and Ongoing Recognition

Swilling remains eligible for consideration by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's seniors committee, given his retirement in 1998. For the Class of 2025, he advanced from an initial pool to the second stage of voting, selected among 60 modern-era and senior candidates, but was not among the finalists. For the Class of 2026, announced on September 11, 2025, Swilling was nominated alongside 161 other senior players, reflecting continued evaluation of his career contributions, including 107.5 sacks and the 1991 Defensive Player of the Year award. In addition to his PFHOF candidacy, Swilling has earned induction into several regional and team-specific halls of fame. He was enshrined in the Hall of Fame on July 28, 2000, honoring his role in the team's linebacker group and four selections from 1989 to 1992. In 2007, he entered the Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his collegiate and professional achievements originating from the state. Swilling joined the on April 30, 2009, for his standout performance at , where he recorded 30 sacks over three seasons and earned first-team All-American honors in 1985. He was inducted into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in 2022, further affirming his local impact. Swilling's ongoing recognition includes appearances at Saints alumni events and fan cruises, where he is celebrated as a franchise legend for transforming the team's defense in the late and early . Supporters, including former teammates and analysts, have publicly advocated for his PFHOF enshrinement, citing his sack totals and leadership on a perennial underachieving Saints roster as underappreciated relative to peers.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.