Former Giants, Rams Linebacker Suspected of Having CTE Dies
Bill Swain, a former NFL linebacker who played for the Giants, Rams, Vikings, and Lions over six seasons, died at 85 on April 24 after a long battle with dementia linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). His obituary confirmed he suffered from CTE, a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated head trauma. Swain played 82 games in the NFL, starting all 14 for the Giants in 1967 and recording two career interceptions, one of which was a pick-six. After football, he held public service and business roles in New York and later worked in property management in Hawaii.
- ▪Bill Swain died on April 24 at the age of 85 after suffering from dementia associated with CTE.
- ▪He played 82 NFL games between 1963 and 1970 for the Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, and Detroit Lions.
- ▪Swain started every game for the Giants in 1967 and recorded the only pick-six of his career with the Lions in 1968.
- ▪After his NFL career, he served as New York City’s Deputy Commissioner of Recreation and later worked in property management in Hawaii.
- ▪He is survived by his wife, Jane, and son, Andrew.
- ▪Swain was inducted into his high school Hall of Fame in 2002 for his athletic achievements in football, basketball, and baseball.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
By Jon Paul HoornstraContributing Sports WriterShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Bill Swain, who played six seasons in the NFL for four different teams, died on April 24. He was 85.According to his obituary placed in the Palm Beach Post, Swain fought "a long and courageous battle with dementia associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)."CTE is a degenerative brain disease believed to be linked to concussions, a brain injury caused by a forcible blow to the head.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Newsweek.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Newsweek
