During the Detroit Lions massacre of the Chicago Bears on New Year’s Day, Lions’ running back D’Andre Swift came to life. After facing adversity early on in the season, Swift is finally looking like the dog of a player that the fans praised early on in the season.

The 23-year-old was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended St. Joseph’s Prep before heading to the University of Georgia. In his three seasons at Georgia, Swift rushed for 2,885 yards on 440 carries for 20 touchdowns and added another 666 yards on 73 catches for five touchdowns. After his Junior season, he declared for the NFL Draft.

Swift was selected in the second round, 35th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. He signed a four-year contract with the Lions worth $8.5 million.

In his rookie season, he produced 521 rushing yards on 114 carries for eight touchdowns. He also tacked on 46 catches for 357 yards and another two touchdowns. In his career, he now totals 1,655 rushing yards on 358 carries and 18 touchdowns. Swift also has 149 catches for 1,137 yards and seven touchdowns.

D’Andre Swift Playing Through Injury

The third-year has suffered his share of injuries throughout his time in the NFL. So far, in every season of his career, he has missed three games due to injury. This year, it was a dual injury. D’Andre Swift struggled with an ankle injury early on and tacked on a shoulder injury just a couple of games into the season.

Since coming back from his injury this year, Swift has played hesitant and scared. However, over the past couple of games, you could see glimpses of the old Swift once again. In Sunday’s Week 17 victory over the Bears, Swift was responsible for two touchdowns. Head Coach Dan Campbell spoke after the game saying it’s great to see him come alive.

“Swifty came to life, man. Watching Swifty that’s like – that’s like being out in the desert with nothing to drink and there’s that water that just found. It was great. It was great to see him and he was feeling it.”

“Swifty (D’Andre Swift) came to life man, watching Swifty that’s like being out in the desert with nothing to drink and there’s that water…”

– Dan Campbell on the performance of D’Andre Swift against Chicago. 😂 #OnePride

— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) January 1, 2023

Coach Campbell wasn’t the only one who noticed Swift’s performance. His fellow running back, Jamaal Williams, who also contributed a touchdown on Sunday, spoke extremely highly of him.

“I think today Swift went crazy. He just had a tremendous game. Proud of him because of the way he works, and he deserves all the chances he gets. I’m just grateful for the way he came out, played for the team, and to get the juice going, the goods going.”

“No, we ain’t going to go that far.”

– D’Andre Swift when asked if Jared Goff is a running back for them after chasing Jamaal Williams down the sideline last week. 🤣 #OnePride

— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) January 4, 2023

With just one game to go, Swift is ready to go. His goal early this season was to have 1,000 rushing yards this season. While he came up short, partially due to his injuries, his ceiling remains high. Running backs Coach Duce Staley says despite his lows, he still battled through.

“He’s still a young player, which you’ve got to remember. And being able to deal with a couple of things as he’s dealt with injuries, being able to fight through them, getting out there on the field, knowing you’re not 100 percent, knowing you may be 80, 70 percent and you still could be productive, you go through some things. And you’ve got to find a way, and special players do and he has.”

The Lions head into their final regular season game of the season this Sunday on Prime Time at Lambeau Field.

Oh, and if you’re wondering who Swift is routing for in the College National Championships, he says, “Go Dogs!”