Sadly, KSR has learned that former Wildcat great Rodger Bird has passed away. The Pride of Corbin lettered three years for the Wildcats as a halfback. He was named first-team All-American in 1965 by Time magazine and NBC and a two-time All-Southeastern Conference first-team (1964-65) by the Associated Press and United Press International. Bird played in the College All-Star Game, North-South Shrine All-Star Game, and the Senior Bowl.
Later, he was a first-round draft choice of the Oakland Raiders in 1966 and played with the team from 1966 to 1971. Career wise, Bird finished with 1,699 yards and 21 touchdowns at Kentucky.