Kirby Lynn Criswell (born August 31, 1957) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for the St. Louis Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the second round of the 1980 NFL draft.
Football career Criswell was born and raised in Grinnell, Iowa, where he attended Grinnell High School. A standout in high school, Criswell was recruited to play collegiate football by several universities. He elected to play for the University of Kansas. The Jayhawks did not produce any strong teams during his time with them, but Criswell was noticed due to his passionate style of play. He was selected 31st overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 1980 NFL draft.Criswell switch boon financially Criswell, who sported a Mohawk hairstyle during training camp,Kirby sporting Mohawk look was waived by the Bengals before the start of 1980 football season but then signed by Green Bay.Packers waive Barber, Jones Green Bay cut Criswell two days later.Criswell cut by Green Bay
It was late in the 1980 NFL Season when Criswell was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals.Football Cardinals obtain three unproven players He did manage to get into four games for St. Louis that year. A broken arm kept Criswell off the Cardinals active list for most of the 1981 season.Ex-Jayhawk Criswell put on Cardinals' active list St. Louis signed Criswell to another contract early in 1982.Cardinals sign ex-Kansas defensive end
Less than a month after his signing, Criswell was arrested on federal drug charges.Backup end faces U.S. drug charges On June 2, 1982, Criswell was found guilty by a federal jury of possessing marijuana and conspiring to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine.Fairbanks set to start from scratch He was subsequently sentenced to five years in prison.Former Card Criswell gets 5-year term After his sentencing, Criswell said a recently published Sports Illustrated article on Don Reese may have hurt his cause.Criswell blames harsh sentence on magazine article
Criswell never played in the NFL again.
References
External links Kirby Criswell, Pro reference
NFL profile, Kirby Criswell