Pat Swilling

Bio

Rebuilding a program after a 1-10 season, Pat Swilling became a four-year letterman, leading the vaunted Georgia Tech “Black Watch” defense that allowed only 10.7 points per game during his final campaign in 1985. That year Tech improved to a top 20 finish and a 9-2-1 record. Named to Georgia Tech’s All-Time team (1892-1991), Swilling set the NCAA record for sacks in a game (seven against North Carolina State in 1985) while setting the Georgia Tech mark for sacks in a season (15). Voted first-team All-America and first-team All-ACC in 1985, Swilling was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. He graduated as Georgia Tech’s all-time leader in sacks (23) and tackles for loss (37), currently ranking fourth in both categories. Selected in the third round of the 1985 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, Swilling was named to five Pro Bowls. Named the 1989 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, he recorded 17 sacks that season, and his 107.5 career sacks place him in the Top 20 in NFL History. Traded to the Detroit Lions in 1993, he played two seasons for the Lions before finishing his career with the Oakland Raiders. Swilling was inducted into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame in 2000.

Career Highlights

• 1985 All-Conference
• 1985 First Team All-America