Where are they now? -- Harry Swayne

Former lineman still helps players find way, now as Bears' chaplain

November 2, 2007

Harry Swayne (left) played for three Super Bowl title teams, including the 2000 Ravens. (Sun photo by Lloyd Fox / September 10, 2000)

Harry Swayne's calling has always been the same: lead others to daylight.

He did it as a hole-carving offensive tackle for the Ravens' Super Bowl champions in the 2000 season.

He does it now as team chaplain for the Chicago Bears.

Once, the playbook was his Bible. Now, it's the other way around.

For five years, Swayne, 42, has counseled Bears players and coaches on personal matters. He tackles marital concerns and anger management issues and sometimes offers financial advice.

"There are guys [in pro football] who are hurting on the field and in their families," he said. "I love meeting people in their place of need."

Swayne is among a handful of players-turned-chaplains - James Trapp, a former Raven, serves with the Atlanta Falcons. But Swayne is the only one with three Super Bowl rings. A 15-year veteran, he started for back-to-back Denver Broncos championship teams before signing with the Ravens for a two-year stint in 1999.

His last Super Bowl victory - the Ravens' 34-7 win over the New York Giants - was his favorite "because of the leaders on the team," Swayne said.

"It wasn't exactly a smooth walk to the playoffs. There were flashes of immaturity, some of which never became public. But guys like Trent [Dilfer] and Qadry [Ismail] were the glue in that locker room."

In that title game, Swayne's job was to keep Michael Strahan, the Giants' star pass rusher, at bay.

"He was a load," Swayne said of Strahan. "I used all the tricks I had, but he still got 1 1/2 sacks.

"I won the battle, but only because we won the game."

A father of five, Swayne appears in good health despite having spent a decade and a half in the trenches.

"I can run with my kids, and I can still pick them up," he said.

Moreover, he can kneel. That's important at work.

Harry Swayne

• With the Ravens: 1999 and 2000.

• Other teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1987 to 1990; San Diego Chargers, 1991 to 1996; Denver Broncos, 1997 and 1998; Miami Dolphins, 2001.

• Current job: Team chaplain for Chicago Bears.

• Career statistics: Played in 186 regular-season games and started 113 of them.

• Fun fact: Participated in 11 consecutive playoff victories, then an NFL record.

• College: Rutgers, where he majored in sports management.

mike.klingaman@baltsun.com

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Where are they now? -- Harry Swayne

Former lineman still helps players find way, now as Bears' chaplain

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Former lineman still helps players find way, now as Bears' chaplain

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