Former Raiders player, Kentucky football legend Rodger Bird dies at 76

Rodger Bird, known Kentucky-wide as the "Corbin Comet," died Saturday in Henderson. Bird was 76.

The Kentucky football great was inducted into the UK Athletics Hall of Fame and is a member of the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame. He earned those accolades after a decorated career that included becoming a two-time All-SEC selection in 1964 and 1965 and a Time Magazine All-American in 1965. 

Bird, who rushed for 1,699 yards and 21 touchdowns in his UK career and played safety on defense, was a first-round draft pick of the AFL's Oakland Raiders, where he was a safety and punt returner.

The Times-Tribune in Corbin said that Rodger Bird was "one of the four 'Bird Brothers' "  who were well known for their success on the football field and the basketball court.

Jerry, Rodger, Calvin and Billy all played sports at UK.