PALATINE, Ill., Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Jim Schwantz, a former linebacker for the Chicago Bears, is entering the political arena, announcing his bid for mayor in his hometown in Illinois.
Schwantz, who won a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys in 1996, announced he would run for mayor of Palatine, Ill., where he went to high school, the Chicago Tribune said Tuesday.
"For the better part of 30 years, I've taken advantage of everything Palatine offers. ... I felt at this point, it's time for me to start giving back," he told supporters Monday.
Schwantz, 38, said he decided to throw his hat into the ring nearly a year before the elections so he could get out and meet as many people in his community as possible.
Rita Mullins, who has served as mayor since 1989, suggested that Schwantz was "presumptuous" by seeking to become mayor in first foray into politics, the Tribune said.
Schwantz, who married his high school sweetheart Brenda, played for the Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers. His NFL career lasted from 1992-98.
