NFL Hall of Famer and former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Lynn Swann is likely to declare himself an eligible receiver for the 2006 Pennsylvania gubernatorial race.

Although he has not officially declared his candidacy for governor yet, Swann filed the necessary papers to form a campaign committee, which he named Team 88, after the number he wore during his career as a wide receiver.

"Team 88 is an exploratory committee at this point in time," Swann said yesterday. "I have not yet declared my candidacy."

Swann formed Team 88 last Wednesday in his first step toward the electoral process.

Marlene Chodkowski, secretary at Swann Inc., said she could neither confirm nor deny Swann's candidacy, but said he has been thinking about running for the position for a while.

Steelers fan Dave Bollinger (senior-kinesiology) said he thinks Swann would make a good governor.

"I think it would be cool to have a former Pittsburgh Steeler as governor," he said. "I think he'd bring some energy [as governor]."

Patrick Marchese (graduate-curriculum and instruction), also a Steelers fan, thinks Swann would make a great governor. "I love it," he said. "If he was a Steeler, I'd vote for him."

Marchese said he had no problems with a public figure such as Swann running for governor. "Schwarzenegger did it, so why can't Swann?" he asked.

James Eisenstein, professor of political science, said public persons running for office is not a new phenomenon.

"People are more likely to vote for people if they know their name," he said. "Name recognition is important."

Matthew Besselman (junior-finance) said he would support Swann if he runs for governor, but not just because he's a Steelers fan.

"As a fan of the Steelers I don't think it's that big of a deal -- he's before my time," he said. "But as an overall observer I would definitely support him. I think it's time for some new blood and I think he'd do a good job [as governor]."

Sen. Jake Corman, R-Centre, said because of his name recognition, Swann may have an edge over the other candidates who decide to participate in the Republican primaries. He added that despite Swann's lack of a professional political background, he could offer new insight to Pennsylvania government. "Swann brings a new voice -- it's exciting and refreshing," Corman said.

Dave Lockett, Pittsburgh Steelers spokesman, said that despite Swann's history with the team, the Steelers would not endorse any candidate for office.

Swann currently serves as the chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and was active during the Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign serving as co-chairman of the African-American steering committee.

Two other candidates for the Republican primary race for governor include state Sen. Jeff Piccola, R-Dauphin, and former Lt. Gov. Bill Scranton.

The Republican gubernatorial primarys will take place in May 2006 and the general election for governor will take place the following November.