TAMPA, Fla. -- He was, to put it quite simply, poetry in motion.
With amazing body control, the stride of a thoroughbred and extraordinary jumping ability, Lynn Swann embodied the definition of a wide receiver as we knew it in the days before high-powered passing attacks took over pro football. One of a cavalcade of stars on the Pittsburgh Steelers when they won four Super Bowls in the course of six seasons from 1974-79, Swann made his mark on an offense that often favored the run and included great running backs Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier. Even though he retired prematurely in 1982 after playing nine seasons and suffering a number of concussions, Swann's resume stacks up well against his peers from his playing days. Only one achievement remains for the ABC television analyst, who at the age of 48, looks like he could still suit up -- a bust at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
In an exclusive interview with The Japan Times, old No. 88 from the Steelers tried not to get his hopes up as he awaits another chance to join seven of his Pittsburgh teammates in football immortality. He has been passed over by the Pro Football Writers of America selection board -- who will vote Saturday to determine this year's inductees -- several times.