Twenty-Five Greatest Players in Cardinals History
By Jeremy Meek
Eric Swann was a dominant player for a short period of time.
Swann took a different route to the NFL than most. After being declared ineligible to play in college football, he enrolled at a community college, then after a year signed with a semi-pro team to get back on the field. In 1991, the Cardinals drafted him in the first round and signed him to an NFL contract.
Primarily lining up at the left defensive tackle position, Swann became an impact player through his nine seasons in Arizona. He made the Pro Bowl twice, in back to back seasons in 1995 and 1996, but was consistently effective throughout his career. He totaled 46 ½ sacks, six forced fumbles, and eight fumble recoveries, and even had two interceptions. The Cardinals were happy enough with him to make him the highest paid player in team history in 1998.
Like many great players, Swann eventually became the victim of the injury bug, and after the 1999 season, suffering from a knee injury, was released. He played just one more season, and retired at age 30. Cardinals fans got to see him play some very good football before he hung them up, though.