Red Kirkman Explained

Red Kirkman
Birth Place:Woodland, West Virginia, U.S.
Death Place:Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:1
Weight Lbs:195
Position:Back
College:Western Reserve
Washington & Jefferson College
Teams:

Roger Randolph "Red" Kirkman (October 17, 1905 – November 30, 1973) was a professional American football player for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League.

Kirkman attended Central High School in Akron, Ohio. He began his career at Western Reserve, where he played running back. He left the school prior to the 1925 season and enrolled at Washington & Jefferson College in time for the 1926 season.[1] [2] He was the starting quarterback for the undefeated 1927 Washington & Jefferson Presidents football team, sharing a backfield with Bill Amos, Bob Heisel, and Cleve Cook.[3] He also played forward for the Washington & Jefferson Presidents men's basketball team and was team captain during the 1927–28 season.[4]

After graduating from W&J, Kirkman spent two years as the athletic director at Scottdale High School in Scottdale, Pennsylvania. In 1930, he became the freshman football coach and head men's basketball coach at John Carroll University.[5]

From 1933 to 1935, Kirkman was a reserve back for the Philadelphia Eagles. He started sixteen games over those three seasons and completed 30 of 97 passes for 393 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. He also rushed for 55 yards and caught 12 passes for 198 and two touchdowns.[6] He also played for the Reading Keys in 1935.[7]

Notes and References

  1. News: Dorgan . Dick . Ohio College Coaches Send Charges Through Scrimmage . 20 June 2024 . Youngstown Vindicator . September 19, 1925.
  2. News: Andy Kerr Faces Difficult Task At W. & J. This Season . 20 June 2024 . The Washington Reporter . September 3, 1926.
  3. News: Real "Red and Black" Backfield . 20 June 2024 . Lawrence Journal-World . November 10, 1907.
  4. News: Red Kirkman Named Leader of W. &. J. Basketball Team . 20 June 2024 . The Washington Reporter . May 21, 1927.
  5. News: Red Kirkman Coach At John Carroll . 20 June 2024 . Pittsburgh Post-Gazette . September 3, 1930.
  6. Web site: Red Kirkman . Pro Football Reference . Sports Reference LLC . 20 June 2024.
  7. News: Pitts, Brian, Banas New Stars Coming With Eagles . 20 June 2024 . Reading Eagle . October 4, 1935.