Another NFL Hall of Famer I received a response from in the Gratitude to Greats project was the top receiver of the 70s Steelers dynasty, Lynn Swann. The Chuck Noll Steelers, one of the most productive passing offenses of the NFL in that period, which is needless to say, utilized the wide receiver position, and Swann’s receiving skills, far more frequently than any other team of that era, making Swann a star on a team that won four rings in the 70s.
Swann is an interesting case when it comes to his response. Mr. Swann flat out refuses to sign autographs through the mail, due to a severe falling out he had with Topps after, according to Swann, the company did not compensate him adequately for the use of his image in the 70s. However, Mr. Swann did take the time to honor my unique request, writing me some positive words on keeping my thinking positive in the wake of my cancer battle on an index card, something he could have certainly chosen not to do. This makes Lynn Swann a man I will forever be grateful to.
My NFL 100: Gratitude to Greats Project 