He played college football at Notre Dame and was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the eighth round of the 1968 NFL/AFL draft.
[9] Rather than play for the Roadrunners, Swatland signed a practice squad contract with the Houston Oilers along with Jim LeMoine.
[12] Despite being "almost assured of a job" after Sonny Bishop retired, Swatland was released as part of the final roster cuts in 1969.
[13] On October 6, it was announced that he had joined the Bridgeport Jets of the Atlantic Coast Football League (ACFL).
[15] After being released by the Patriots, Swatland signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL), but quit midseason.