Saints legend and Saints Hall of Famer Pat Swilling has advanced to the next stage of voting for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 in the seniors category, being one of 60 selected to advance.

Swilling was a four-time All-Pro linebacker and member of the famous "Dome Patrol" linebacking group with the Saints. Swilling played seven seasons with the Black and Gold from 1986 to 1992 and racked up 354 tackles, 24 forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, and three interceptions, one returned for a touchdown during his 107 career games for New Orleans. His 76.5 sacks as a member of the Saints is fourth in team history.

Swilling helped the Saints advance to the playoffs four times, including for the first time in franchise history in 1987.

In 1991, Swilling won the AP Defensive Player of the Year, a season in which he recorded 60 tackles, a league-best 17.0 sacks, forced six fumbles and recovered one, and brought in an interception he returned 39 yards for his only career touchdown.

After departing the Saints, Swilling would play two seasons with the Detroit Lions and three with the Oakland Raiders. His 107.5 career sacks are tied for 30th in NFL history.

Only players 25 years removed from their last NFL game are eligible for the category. The Seniors Screening Committee voted on 183 players and reduced the number to 50 with any ties being included resulting in 60 advancing to the next stage. A second committee, the Seniors Blue-Ribbon Committee, will work to reduce the number down more before presenting three candidates as finalists for a possible election to the Class of 2025 in late fall.