Lynn Swann Visits San Mateo, Calif.
Hall of Famers
Published on : 1/9/2013
Pro Football Hall of Famer and four-time Super Bowl winner Lynn Swann was honored at Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, Calif., on Friday, Dec.14, 2012 as the final “Hometown Hall of Famer™” recipient of 2012. The plaque ceremony took place in the school’s gymnasium, which was filled with the entire student body, the Serra High School pep band and proud alumni, friends and family of Swann.
{GALLERY}Serra High School President Lars Lund was featured as the event’s emcee and set the stage for the day’s speakers, which included San Mateo Allstate agent Michael Glazer, Pro Football Hall of Fame Enterprises President and CEO George Veras, Swann’s former dance instructor Les Williams and Swann.
“Allstate would like to congratulate Lynn Swann and Serra High School for being a recipient of one of only 52 ‘Hometown Hall of Famers™’ plaques created since the program’s inception,” said Glazer. “It is a great honor to be here today to represent Allstate and help recognize the achievements of this community.”
Williams, who received his law degree from Stanford University when he was 50 years old, called Swann “spectacular,” for not only his on-the-field achievements, but also for everything he has done to help his hometown of San Mateo, in particular his alma mater Serra High School.
A gracious Lynn Swann was welcomed with chants of, “Lynn! Lynn! Lynn!” by the entire student body as he and Williams unveiled his “Hometown Hall of Famers™” plaque together.
Perhaps the event’s most memorable moment was when Lynn Swann was brought to tears talking about the admiration he has for his former dance instructor, Les Williams, one of the original fighter pilots from the 99th Pursuit Squadron, better known as the Tuskegee Airmen, which fought during World War II. Swann’s respect for Williams was evident when he said, “Les Williams is the true hometown hero here today.”
“Serra High School will forever be known as the place that provided a foundation for Swann to launch his Hall of Fame career from,” said Veras. “For that reason, it is fitting that we place this commemorative plaque in the halls of Serra High School for past, present and future students to reflect upon.”
Swann was drafted 21st overall in the 1974 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers after being a standout football player and All-American at the University of Southern California. He became a key member of the Steelers’ offense that helped produce six AFC Central Division titles in a row and four Super Bowl championships.
As a rookie, Swann led the NFL in punt returns with 577 yards on 41 returns, a club record at the time and fourth best in NFL history. He became a regular at wide receiver for the Steelers in his second year recording 49 catches for 781 yards and a league-high 11 touchdowns.
Swann had 336 receptions for 5,462 yards and 51 touchdowns in nine NFL seasons. His combined total of 364 receiving yards in four Super Bowl games ranked first in Super Bowl history at the time of his retirement.
The three-time All-Pro selection, who is widely considered to be one of the most exciting players of his time, was named the Most Valuable Player in Super Bowl X. He was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1970s and the Super Bowl Silver Anniversary Team.
Swann was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001.
{GALLERY}Serra High School President Lars Lund was featured as the event’s emcee and set the stage for the day’s speakers, which included San Mateo Allstate agent Michael Glazer, Pro Football Hall of Fame Enterprises President and CEO George Veras, Swann’s former dance instructor Les Williams and Swann.
“Allstate would like to congratulate Lynn Swann and Serra High School for being a recipient of one of only 52 ‘Hometown Hall of Famers™’ plaques created since the program’s inception,” said Glazer. “It is a great honor to be here today to represent Allstate and help recognize the achievements of this community.”
Williams, who received his law degree from Stanford University when he was 50 years old, called Swann “spectacular,” for not only his on-the-field achievements, but also for everything he has done to help his hometown of San Mateo, in particular his alma mater Serra High School.
A gracious Lynn Swann was welcomed with chants of, “Lynn! Lynn! Lynn!” by the entire student body as he and Williams unveiled his “Hometown Hall of Famers™” plaque together.
Perhaps the event’s most memorable moment was when Lynn Swann was brought to tears talking about the admiration he has for his former dance instructor, Les Williams, one of the original fighter pilots from the 99th Pursuit Squadron, better known as the Tuskegee Airmen, which fought during World War II. Swann’s respect for Williams was evident when he said, “Les Williams is the true hometown hero here today.”
“Serra High School will forever be known as the place that provided a foundation for Swann to launch his Hall of Fame career from,” said Veras. “For that reason, it is fitting that we place this commemorative plaque in the halls of Serra High School for past, present and future students to reflect upon.”
Swann was drafted 21st overall in the 1974 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers after being a standout football player and All-American at the University of Southern California. He became a key member of the Steelers’ offense that helped produce six AFC Central Division titles in a row and four Super Bowl championships.
As a rookie, Swann led the NFL in punt returns with 577 yards on 41 returns, a club record at the time and fourth best in NFL history. He became a regular at wide receiver for the Steelers in his second year recording 49 catches for 781 yards and a league-high 11 touchdowns.
Swann had 336 receptions for 5,462 yards and 51 touchdowns in nine NFL seasons. His combined total of 364 receiving yards in four Super Bowl games ranked first in Super Bowl history at the time of his retirement.
The three-time All-Pro selection, who is widely considered to be one of the most exciting players of his time, was named the Most Valuable Player in Super Bowl X. He was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1970s and the Super Bowl Silver Anniversary Team.
Swann was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001.
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