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‘They Were Very Personal’: Lynn Swann Recalls Bounty From George Atkinson, Raiders

Related Topics: Lynn Swann, George Atkinson

Throughout the 70s, the rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders was as fierce as they come in pro sports.

The two teams hated each other and let it be known on the field. Nobody found that out the hard way more than Steelers Hall of Fame wide receiver Lynn Swann.

Swann, who was a first-round pick out of USC in the 1974 NFL Draft at No. 21 overall, had quite a few run-ins with Raiders defensive back George Atkinson.

Turns out, Atkinson and the Raiders had a bounty on the Steelers’ great young receiver in an effort to try and take him out of the game physically and mentally.