 A fifth-round pick in 1976 NFL Draft after played college football 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.Kirkland was also a kicker and punter, helping to keep him on the Baltimore roster as a backup quarterback and special teams player.