Eric Swann facts for kids
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| Position: | Defensive tackle | ||||||||||||||||
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| Born: | August 16, 1970 Sanford, North Carolina, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | ||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 317 lb (144 kg) | ||||||||||||||||
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| High school: | Western Harnett (Lillington, North Carolina) |
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| College: | Wake Tech (1989) | ||||||||||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1991 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6 | ||||||||||||||||
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Eric Jerrod Swann (born August 16, 1970) is a former American football player. He played as a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). Eric was chosen by the Phoenix Cardinals in the first round of the 1991 NFL draft. This was a big deal because he had not played college football. Instead, he came from a semi-professional team called the Bay State Titans. He played for 10 seasons in the NFL, from 1991 to 2000. His teams included the Arizona Cardinals and the Carolina Panthers.
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Eric Swann: A Football Star
Eric Swann was a powerful defensive tackle. He was known for his strength and skill on the field. His journey to the NFL was quite unusual. Most players go through college football first. Eric took a different path, showing his amazing talent early on.
Early Life and High School Football
Eric Swann grew up in Lillington, North Carolina. He played high school football at Western Harnett High School. He graduated in 1989. Besides football, Eric was also a talented athlete in track and field. He was a state runner-up in both shot-put and discus throwing. He threw the shot-put 54 feet, 2 inches. His discus throw reached 152 feet, 6 inches.
From Semi-Pro to the NFL
After high school, Eric planned to attend North Carolina State University. However, he could not join because of academic rules. Instead of going to a big college, he joined a semi-professional team. This team was the Bay State Titans in Lynn, Massachusetts. Semi-pro means players get paid, but it's not the top professional league. Eric earned $5 an hour playing for them in 1990.
His talent was so clear that NFL teams noticed him. In the 1991 NFL Draft, he was a top pick. The draft is where NFL teams choose new players. Eric was the sixth player chosen overall. This was a rare achievement for someone who didn't play college football.
Playing in the NFL
On April 24, 1991, Eric Swann signed a five-year contract. He joined the Phoenix Cardinals. He quickly became a key player for them. In 1995 and 1996, Eric was named an NFL All-Pro. This means he was recognized as one of the best players in the league. He was also chosen for the NFC Pro Bowl team twice. The Pro Bowl is an all-star game for the best players each season.
In 1998, Eric signed another contract with the Cardinals. He played nine games in 1999. During that season, he made four sacks and had a 42-yard interception. An interception is when a defensive player catches a pass meant for an offensive player.
The Cardinals released Eric Swann on July 11, 2000. This means they let him go from the team. Two weeks later, he signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers. He played alongside another famous player, Reggie White.
After the NFL
After his time in the NFL, Eric Swann continued to play football. In 2007, he played for the Hudson Valley Saints. This team was part of the North American Football League.
In 1998, Eric Swann was honored for his career. He was inducted into the American Football Association's Semi Pro Football Hall of Fame. This shows his lasting impact on the sport.
