Mike Kirkland (American football)
Mike Kirkland (born June 29, 1954 in Pasadena, Texas) is a former football quarterback, playing one season for the Baltimore Colts.
As a 13 year old, Kirkland won the National Punt, Pass, and Kick competition, which included a 57 yard pass. A 5th round pick in 1976 NFL Draft after finishing his collegiate career at the University of Arkansas, Kirkland completed 19 of 41 passes for 211 yards and one touchdown and eight interceptions in the 1978 season. As third string quarterback, he started two NFL games, including the 1978 opener, when the top two players were injured. [1]
Kirkland and teammate Scott Bull competed for the starting quarterback position at Arkansas and were both drafted into the NFL in 1976 and played in the league.
Kirkland was also a kicker and punter, helping to keep him on the Baltimore roster as a backup quarterback and special teams player.
References
- β http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/football/cowboys/classic/recordbook/yearbyyear/1978/090578colts.html Dallas Morning News