Professional Career
The New Orleans Saints fielded fierce defenses in 1991 and 1992, led by one of the best linebacker units in the history of the league. In 1991, Swilling 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.
Swilling was traded to the Detroit Lions in 1993 for draft picks. In order to sign Swilling 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 Swillings' seasons with the team, being eliminated each time, in the first round, by the Green Bay Packers. Swilling finished his career with 107.5 sacks.
Swilling lost all six playoff games he played in; no other player in NFL history has more losses without a win.
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