The Detroit Lions are getting more than just a great competitor in Georgia Bulldogs running back D’Andre Swift. They’re also getting a great teammate.
Lions coach Matt Patricia and Detroit selected Swift with the 35th overall pick. In Swift, they have an elite player who toughened through a shoulder injury during the final two games of his college career.
After suffering a shoulder contusion against Georgia Tech, Swift fought through the pain to no avail against the unstoppable LSU Tigers in the SEC Championship. The Georgia Bulldogs were vying for a berth in the College Football Playoff.
Fast forward to Georgia’s 2020 Sugar Bowl game against the Baylor Bears. Loads of healthy, elite NFL Draft talent sat out the game for the Dawgs. Kirby Smart and Georgia were embarrassed by their performance in the 2019 Sugar Bowl against the Texas Longhorns.
D’Andre Swift’s shoulder continued to hurt and he was expected to sit, but he elected to play through the pain in a game without any CFP implications. Instead, Swift wanted to be out their for his teammates. He put his body and his NFL Draft stock on the line for one play:
Swift’s act of selflessness helped Georgia grab momentum in the Sugar Bowl and ultimately defeat Baylor. The Bears’ defense bit hard on the fake to Swift. Detroit Lions fans can anticipate Swift to be a great teammate. Swift got to end his Georgia career on a sweet note.
Despite his shoulder injury, Detroit shouldn’t be concerned about his durability. Swift will share the backfield with Kerryon Johnson and only carried the ball 440 times in his college career.
