Ranking the top 25 wide receivers in NFL history…
18. Lynn Swann
Drafted 21st overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1974 out of USC, Lynn Swann swiftly proved his worth as a graceful playmaker on a dynasty team, contributing to their defensive-led but explosive offense.
Over nine seasons exclusively with the Steelers, he earned three Pro Bowl selections and helped win four Super Bowls (IX, X, XIII, XIV). Swann’s pinnacle was Super Bowl X MVP honors with four catches for 161 yards and a touchdown, including acrobatic grabs.
He led the NFL in receiving touchdowns in 1975 (11) and set Super Bowl records at the time for receiving yards (364) and all-purpose yards (398) across his appearances. Named to the 1970s All-Decade Team, he had standout playoff performances like 124 yards in Super Bowl XIII.
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Retiring after 1982 due to injuries, Swann transitioned to broadcasting and politics, including a 2006 gubernatorial run in Pennsylvania.
Swann’s career totals stand at 336 receptions, 5,462 yards and 51 touchdowns across 116 games, plus 739 punt return yards and one return score, earning him Hall of Fame induction in 2001 despite modest regular-season stats by modern standards.
Swann’s standout attributes were his exceptional speed, soft hands and ballet-trained agility, enabling him to make leaping, one-handed catches in traffic. His playing style was that of an artistic deep threat: elegant, precise in routes and fearless in contested situations, often turning potential incompletions into highlights.
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While his stats were critiqued as inflated by Super Bowl success compared to peers, Swann’s clutch performances solidified his legacy.
But who ranks ahead of Swann at No. 17 all-time?