Professional Football Player. Born Rodger Paul Bird, he made his initial imprint on the football field at Corbin High School in Kentucky where he achieved All-State honors. He enrolled at the University of Kentucky where he played collegiate football and was honored by Sports Illustrated, when the publication named him an All-American. He was signed by the Oakland Raiders during the 1966 AFL Draft and totaled 38 career regular season games. During the course of his career (1966 to 1968), Bird (who played at the safety position) demonstrated his importance on special teams as a punt returner. For two consecutive seasons (1966 and 1967), he led the league in punt returns and yardage. In 1967, he led the league in longest punt returns with a 78-yarder. Bird experienced a championship with the AFL Title winning Oakland Raiders in 1967 and during Super Bowl II against the Green Bay Packers (January 1968), he recorded 2 punt returns for 12 yards.
Professional Football Player. Born Rodger Paul Bird, he made his initial imprint on the football field at Corbin High School in Kentucky where he achieved All-State honors. He enrolled at the University of Kentucky where he played collegiate football and was honored by Sports Illustrated, when the publication named him an All-American. He was signed by the Oakland Raiders during the 1966 AFL Draft and totaled 38 career regular season games. During the course of his career (1966 to 1968), Bird (who played at the safety position) demonstrated his importance on special teams as a punt returner. For two consecutive seasons (1966 and 1967), he led the league in punt returns and yardage. In 1967, he led the league in longest punt returns with a 78-yarder. Bird experienced a championship with the AFL Title winning Oakland Raiders in 1967 and during Super Bowl II against the Green Bay Packers (January 1968), he recorded 2 punt returns for 12 yards.
Bio by: C.S.
Family Members
Advertisement
See more Bird memorials in:
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
