Jacksonville High School in Jacksonville, Arkansas, unveiled former NFL returner Reggie Swinton as its new head football coach, adding a rare professional pedigree to the local high‑school coaching ranks.
Swinton’s journey from Arkansas to the pros
Swinton grew up in Little Rock, starring at Central High School before committing to Murray State University in Kentucky, where he set multiple receiving records. After going undrafted in the 1998 NFL Draft, he signed as a free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars, though he was cut before the season began.
Undeterred, Swinton pursued opportunities across North America. He spent time with the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts and Winnipeg Blue Bombers, then joined the Edmonton Eskimos before returning to the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks. A brief stint in the XFL saw him drafted by the Las Vegas Outlaws, and he later excelled in arena football with the Arkansas Twisters, setting franchise marks for catches, yards and touchdowns.
Swinton’s NFL tenure included productive years as a return specialist, amassing 4,919 kick‑return yards, two kick‑return touchdowns, 1,311 punt‑return yards and two punt‑return scores. Over five seasons he also contributed as a receiver, logging 41 catches for 493 yards and two touchdowns across 69 games with the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions and Arizona Cardinals.
From professional player to mentor
After hanging up his cleats in 2005, Swinton transitioned to coaching, serving at Forrest City and now Jacksonville High. He has guided numerous athletes who advanced to college programs, including Arkansas Razorbacks defensive end Quincy Rhodes Jr., UCA linebacker Ashtyn Williams and former Arkansas Tech defensive back Josh Thrower.
Current Jacksonville running back Mason Ball, a committed University of Kentucky recruit, praised Swinton’s impact: “You learn a lot more when the person teaching you has been where you’re trying to go. He’s lived it, not just talking about it.” Swinton echoed that sentiment, noting his own determination since age 13 and urging his players not to give up easily.
Community response
Parents and students welcomed the hire, citing Swinton’s perseverance through nine cuts and two trades as a powerful example of resilience. “These kids fight hard because they see what I went through,” Swinton told KATV, emphasizing his shared experience with the athletes.
Swinton’s appointment aligns with Jacksonville High’s broader effort to strengthen its football program and provide a pathway for local talent to reach the next level. The school’s athletic department expects his professional insights to elevate training, game preparation and overall team culture.
Looking ahead
Swinton’s first season will focus on building fundamentals, instilling a work‑ethic rooted in his own journey, and fostering a competitive spirit that reflects both the community’s values and the high standards of collegiate football. The coaching staff hopes his story will inspire not only on‑field success but also personal growth for every student‑athlete.
Original reporting: KATV Little Rock (local) — read the source article.
