Lynn Swann

What happens to the youngest of three boys, whose name is Lynn, when his mother enrolls him in dance school as an eight-year-old child? What will people say?

"Maybe the most perfect wide receiver of his time." Howard Cosell, Monday Night Football November 17, 1980

If your name is Lynn Swann, then you become an artist in the world of football. Lynn Swann, while in high school, was an All-American in football, California Long Jump champion and still dancing.

Accepting a scholarship to the University of Southern California (USC), Swann played football on two Rose Bowl teams, National Champions in 1972, team captain and MVP in 1973, was selected an All-American, was drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, graduated with a degree in public relations from the USC School of Journalism and was still dancing.

Swann, for nine years, was a vital player with the Steelers as they won four Super Bowls.  He was named to the All-Rookie Team in 1974, All-Pro in 1975, MVP of the Super Bowl in 1976, and was selected NFL Man of the Year in 1981. In 2001, Swann was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

All the dancing paid off. Swann was on stage with Gene Kelly, ballet star Peter Martins and 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 fulltime with ABC Sports, which continues 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. Swann is on several boards of directors and is a spokesperson for several national organizations. Swann has received numerous honors for outstanding service and contributions for the continued growth and development of our nation's young people. Swann 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.  Swann has traveled across the country and visited the White House on behalf of the nation's premiere one-to-one mentoring organization.

In June 2002, Lynn Swann was selected by President Bush to chair the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. As Chairman, Swann has passionately traveled the country educating Americans on health and fitness issues and encouraging them to take the President's challenge.

Lynn Swann is married and has two wonderful sons. In his free time, Swann enjoys playing golf, gourmet cooking, and collecting fine wines.

In Lynn Swann's case, dancing turned out to be a great beginning.