Kirk Springs - #21 - S-KR - Miami (OH) - Profile

PRO: "Kirk showed good progress and made some big plays as our SS last year," Walton said. "He needs to continue to improve and strive to be better. Kirk is also a key contributor on special teams." ...played 16 games and started the final 11 at SS in 1984... finished 6th on team with 78 tackles (57 solos). 6 passes defensed, 1 interception, and 1'12 forced fumbles ...was 7th in AFC, 9th in NFL in punt returns with an average of 8.8 (28-247) ...was 4th in AFC, 7th in NFL in kickoff returnswith a22.7 average (23-521) ...longest PR was 33 yards vs. Colts while longest KOR was vs. Cincinnati for 73 yards ...also had the 5th best special teams grade on team with 90.3% mark ...responded well in 1st starting assignment with 10 tackle game at Kansas City ...also had 10 tackles vs. Giants ...had an interception and 6 tackles vs. Buffalo ...played 16games in 1983 on special teams and as a nickel back ...was used as a returner for the first time in pro career and led the AFC and finished 2nd in the NFL in punt returns with a 12.5 average (23-287) ...broke 76-yarder at New Orleans with only 2:11 left to give Jets a31-28 win ...wasalso 5th in AFC and 8th in NFL in KOR with 22.8 average (16-364) ...registered 12 special teams tackles on coverage ...extremely tough, hard hitter ...played 9 games in 1982 on special teams and as a 6th back in dime defense ...played nickel back for the injured Johnny Lynn at Kansas City and filled in extremely well at FS in 2nd half of playoff win over Raiders for Darrol Ray ... also had fierce hit on Cliff Branch in that game which caused fumble and stopped possible scoring drive ... played in 10 games in 1981 and had 2 interceptions ... originally signed with Jets as free agent in 1981 but was released on last cut and was resigned on Oct. 13 ... entered NFL as free agent with Seattle in 1980 but was released in camp.

COLLEGE: 3-year letterman at Miami, Ohio ... 1st team All-Mid-American Conference as a junior and senior ... played in East-West game and had 2 interceptions.

PERSONAL: Single ... majored in math and physical education ... took photography courses during offseason ... has done volunteer work for Special Olympics ... 3-sport standout at Woodward High in his hometown and birthplace of Cincinnati, OH.

From 1985 Jets yearbook.

Springs wore the number 45 in 1981