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PITTSBURGH — Former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Lynn Swann declared his candidacy for Pennsylvania governor Wednesday in the city where he made his name in professional football.

He told The Associated Press in an interview Wednesday afternoon that he made up his mind after spending months weighing support at events around the state.

Swann, a Hall of Fame receiver and longtime TV commentator, faces three other candidates in seeking the Republican nomination for governor this fall — his first run for political office.

The winner of the May 16 primary likely would face Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell, who is expected to seek a second four-year term.

If successful in his first bid for political office, Swann would become Pennsylvania's first black governor. His announcement was no surprise: His political committee has been raising money for his campaign for nearly a year.

Swann, 53, kicked off his campaign with a rally Wednesday night in Pittsburgh. Former Steelers teammate Mel Blount introduced Swann, who was accompanied by his wife and two sons.

Tossing a Pro Football Hall of Fame cap into a cheering crowd of 500, Swann said, "Tonight Lynn Swann is running for governor, and that hat is in the ring."

He plans appearances in five other cities today and Friday.

The Steelers won four Super Bowls during Swann's nine-year pro career with the team. He has worked for ABC Sports since his retirement from football in 1983.

Merriman, Williams win rookie of year awards

NEW YORK — Shawne Merriman's relentless style of play made an immediate mark in the NFL, earning him The Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

The San Diego linebacker, known as "Lights Out" for his hard hits and aggressive demeanor, received 28 1/2 votes Wednesday from a nationwide panel of sportswriters and broadcasters who cover the league.

He had 10 sacks to lead all rookies, and easily beat Seattle linebacker Lofa Tatupu, who got 16 1/2 votes.

Lofty goals and plenty of self-confidence barely prepared Carnell Williams for all the success he's had in his first NFL season.

The sleek, fast and powerful running back nicknamed "Cadillac" helped transform the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from also-ran to NFC South champions.

In doing so, he also ran away with The Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Williams, who rushed for 1,178 yards and six touchdowns, drew 47 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 sportswriters and broadcasters who cover the NFL.

Bills fire Donahoe

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Tom Donahoe was fired as Buffalo Bills president and general manager Wednesday in a shakeup that also marked Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy's return to the franchise, this time in a consultant's role.

The moves were announced by Bills owner Ralph Wilson just a few days after he promised changes for an underachieving team that finished 5-11 and missed the playoffs for a sixth straight season.

Donahoe, the only executive to hold the president's title in the franchise's 46-year history, was dismissed after five seasons.

Wilson asked Levy to help with the search for the next general manager.

Levy, who turns 81 this year, is the team's winningest coach with a 112-70 record.

He led the Bills to four consecutive AFC titles in the early 1990s before retiring after the 1997 season.

Extra points

● Ron Rivera, the Bears defensive coordinator, acknowledged Wednesday he will meet with the St. Louis Rams about their head coaching vacancy this week.

● Jaguars linebacker Mike Peterson missed a second day of practice Wednesday, but said his sprained right wrist will not prevent him from playing against New England in the playoffs Saturday night.

● Miami offensive coordinator Scott Linehan was in Houston on Wednesday to interview for the job left vacant when Dom Capers was fired by the Texans

● Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick will have a new position coach in 2006 after Mike Johnson was fired Wednesday.