Rodney McSwain

is from Caroleen, North Carolina. He attended Chase High School, went on to become one of Clemson University's Top 10 Defensive Line Players of the 1980s and is a former professional American football cornerback in the National Football League.

In May of 1984, McSwain was originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons following his

college career at Clemson University. McSwain, who also anchored Clemson's 1982 conference champion 400-meter relay team, was one of nine defensive players drafted by the Falcons. McSwain was quickly acquired by the New England Patriots where he played seven seasons (1984-1990). He also played two seasons in the Arena Football League with the

Detroit Drive, winning Arena Bowl VI in 1992.

Cornerbacks, in the early 80's were from that of today's standards. While they were still expected to cover wide receivers, they were also basically linebackers who were lined outside of the eight-man box. Rod McSwain mastered this scenario and was a lock down cornerback. He had the size and power to play linebacker, but speed to play corner.

In the 1985 season, the New England Patriots saw their first play-off game ever in the Super Bowl era when McSwain sealed the deal with a pass interception. They were the wild card that

would not host a single game on their home field and yet would miraculously achieve the honor of squaring off in Super Bowl XX against the powerhouse Chicago Bears. While they did not win, this

was a wonderful experience to be a part of.