James William Schwantz was born on January 23, 1970, in Arlington Heights, Illinois. He grew up in Palatine, Illinois, where he attended William Fremd High School. There, he excelled in football, baseball, and basketball.
Schwantz played college football at Purdue University. He was a standout linebacker. He set school records for tackles and sacks. He was named to the Dean’s List.
After college, Schwantz joined the NFL. He played for the Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, and San Francisco 49ers. He was known for his special teams play. He won a Super Bowl with the Cowboys in 1996.
In 2008, Schwantz announced his candidacy for mayor of Palatine. He won the election in 2009, defeating a long-time incumbent. He has been re-elected three times, running unopposed each time. His current term ends in 2025.
As mayor, Schwantz has focused on community development. He has worked to improve local infrastructure and services. He remains a prominent figure in Palatine.
Schwantz also contributes to the Chicago Bears broadcast team. He shares his football insights with fans. He continues to live in Palatine, where he is a respected leader and former athlete.
