Southwestern Oklahoma State Athletics

An Amarillo High School graduate, Birdsong went on to a lengthy career in the National Football League as a punter after starring at Southwestern in the late 1970’s. Birdsong was a two-time NAIA All-American who averaged more than 45.6 yards a punt. Many of his punting marks still are standing today as both school and NAIA marks. Birdsong spent five years playing for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1981-1986 and was an all-pro punter in 1984. He was the NFC All-Rookie punter in 1981 and led the NFC in punting average in 1983. Following a coaching change in 1986, he decided to retire from football to pursue a career in pharmacy.