Reggie Swinton

From an undrafted free agent to one of the NFL’s most electrifying return specialists, Reggie Swinton’s story is one of relentless determination, raw talent, and an unwavering drive to succeed.

A multi-sport star at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he was all-state in basketball, baseball, track and field, and football, Swinton committed to Murray State University to play football for head coach Houston Nutt. Teaming up with quarterback Mike Cherry, Swinton helped lead the Racers through the most successful two-year period in program history. During the 1995 and 1996 seasons, Murray State posted an impressive 22-3 record, went undefeated in Ohio Valley Conference play at 16-0, captured back-to-back OVC championships, and earned consecutive appearances in the Division I-AA playoffs. Swinton earned All-OVC honors in both 1996 and 1997 and was named a Second Team I-AA All-American in 1997. Between 1994 and 1997, he set school records for career receptions (144), receiving yards (2,346), receiving touchdowns (20), and 100-yard receiving games (7).

Swinton went undrafted in the 1998 NFL Draft but signed as a free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars, although he was released before the regular season, In 1999, he took his talents to the Canadian Football League for the spring season, continuing to chase his dream. His breakthrough finally came in 2001 when he signed with the Dallas Cowboys, where his perseverance and athleticism earned him a spot in the NFL and a chance to make an immediate impact.

Swinton’s true breakout came with the Cowboys, where his dynamic return skills quickly garnered attention. In 2001, he led the NFL in combined return yards and was named an All-Pro, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier return specialists. His speed, vision, and fearless style made him a constant threat, capable of flipping the field—and the game’s momentum—on any given play.

Over the course of his NFL career, Swinton played for several teams, including the Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, and Oakland Raiders. He totaled more than 5,000 return yards and multiple return touchdowns, cementing his reputation as one of the most electrifying and versatile special teams players of his era.

Among his career highlights were a rare 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in 2002 against the Philadelphia Eagles, a 96-yard kickoff return score in 2003 against the Chicago Bears, a 65-yard punt return touchdown at Texas Stadium versus the Denver Broncos, and an 89-yard punt return touchdown in 2003 with the Lions against the Carolina Panthers.

Reggie Swinton proved that with hard work and perseverance, an undrafted player could rise to prominence and have an impact on the game.

After retiring from football, Swinton transitioned into a role as a motivational speaker and community advocate. In May 2025 he became head football coach at Jacksonville High School in Jacksonville, Arkansas.

Images from Alchetron, the free social encyclopedia. Biography by Grace Frericks.