TCU, 1957
• 1955 Academic All-America®
• 1956 Academic All-America®
Jim Swink was inducted into the CoSIDA Academic All-America® Hall of Fame in 1989.
Texas Christian University offensive and defensive asset, Jim Swink, earned his nickname, “The Rusk Rambler” from his hometown, Rusk, Texas. Also nicknamed, “Swanky Jim,” Swink is remembered as one of the greatest running backs in Southwest Conference history with a penchant for evading defenders, finding open space, and converting it into golden opportunities.
As a three-year starter, Swink bested rival University of Texas by earning 147 yards, 235 yards, and 122 yards, respectively, in the three-game series, scoring nine touchdowns in all against the Longhorns. His best game occurred during his stellar junior season in 1955. During the Austin game Swink rushed 15 times for 235 yards and scored 26 points to contribute to the team’s 47-20 victory. That season he put up impressive numbers as first in the nation in scoring at 125 points and second best in rushing at an average of a record-breaking 8.2 yards per carry to total 1,283 yards. That year the unanimous All-American also led the Frogs to a 9-1 record, a No. 3 ranking, a Cotton Bowl appearance and ended the year with a second place finish to Ohio State’s Howard Cassidy for the Heisman Trophy.
After another All-American season and Cotton Bowl appearance, Swink graduated in 1957 and turned down the Chicago Bears to attend medical school. Though joining the Dallas Texans for their 1960 inaugural American Football League season, Swink opted to continue his studies at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. After completing his residency at Scott and White Memorial Hospital, Swink began a career as an orthopedic surgeon and opened a practice in Fort Worth, Texas.
Swink also served in Vietnam where he was awarded a Purple Heart. Swink’s achievements were recognized when he was inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980, was presented the Silver Anniversary Award by the NCAA in 1982, was named the first inductee on the Rusk ISD "Wall of Honor" in 2003, and earned the Doak Walker Legends award in 2005.
Swink died December 3, 2014 at his home in Rusk, Texas due to complications of lymphoma. According to his wife he continued his medical practice until he became ill.