UNC in the NFL: Ryan Switzer, Special Olympics to host skills challenge

Ryan Switzer teams with Special Olympics to host skills challenge

Ryan Switzer is a really good football player. But he’s a far better human being.

The former University of North Carolina standout has teamed with the Special Olympics of West Virginia to create the Switz Skills Challenge, a one-day football combine-style camp hosted by Switzer.

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The “unified sports” event – which will include both children with and without special needs – will take place on July 14th at Steve Edwards Sr. Field on the campus of Switzer’s alma mater, George Washington High School. School faculty and staff members met with representatives of the Special Olympics at the school on Wednesday for a press conference announcing the event.

Switzer was unable to attend the press conference due to a scheduling conflict involving his relocation to California.

Children from a variety of backgrounds will participate together in a number of events including the 40-yard dash, short shuttle, broad jump, power ball toss, position drills, punting and a quarterback challenge.

Along with hosting the event, Switzer will function as one of the camp’s instructors. He’ll be accompanied by George Washington head football coach Steve Edwards Jr. and his staff, West Virginia State football coach John Pennington and his staff, and former West Virginia running backs Quincy Wilson and Avon Coburne.

Switzer graduated from North Carolina in 2017 where he is the school record holder in receptions and receiving yards. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Upon completion of his rookie season in Dallas, though, he was traded to the Oakland Raiders in exchange for defensive tackle Jihad Ward.

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Switzer will primarily function as a kick and punt returner for the Raiders, but may also get some opportunities with the team’s offensive unit, too.

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