SAN DIEGO -- Chris Swain made his NFL debut with the San Diego Chargers on Saturday, and he is making history in the NFL.
He started throwing the football around when he was only five years old -- back when joining the NFL was just a dream.
"I did want to play in the NFL ever since I was little," Swain said.
He and his younger brother started playing in Georgia when his was five and his brother was four.
"We've been playing on the same team ever since," he added.
They even played together in the Naval Academy. He knew most football dreams live and die there, since they all go on to serve, but he was willing to sacrifice what he wanted for what his country needed.
"I just decided I wanted to serve" Swain explained.
He sharpened his offensive skills while learning how to defend the country.
He got a big grin each time i mentioned the Chargers, and his country. That is because he is one of only two Naval Academy graduates whom the secretary of defense cleared to pursue going pro.
"I'm just thankful to be blessed with the opportunity to serve my country," he said.
One weekend a month, plus two weeks a year, he works at Naval Air Station North Island as a Navy reservist. His hands are already full with football.
"I'm up at 7:00 a.m. to start my breakfast and get the day started… and we have things throughout the day until about 9:30 p.m," he explained.
He is soaking in every second since his service could be a game changer.
"In troubling times they can call me to go active anytime they want to," Swain said. "If my country needs me I have to go… that's my first priority."
The Chargers are gearing up for their first pre-season home game this weekend.
