College Football Hall of Famer Kirk Baumgartner revolutionized small-college passing at UW–Stevens Point, shattering national records before being drafted by the Green Bay Packers. The legacy of Kirk Baumgartner, College Football Hall of Famer, remains a benchmark for small-school athletes nationwide.
College Career
Kirk Baumgartner was born on November 3, 1967, in Colby, Wisconsin. Staying in his home state for collegiate play, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (UWSP) in 1986. Operating a relentless, pass-heavy offensive attack under coach John Meagher, Baumgartner quickly emerged as one of the most prolific aerial passers in collegiate football history. Over four seasons (1986–1989), he established multiple national records at the NAIA level. In 1987, he posted a historic campaign by throwing for 5,127 yards and leading the Pointers to the NAIA Division II national title game. He earned First-Team NAIA All-America honors three consecutive seasons (1987–1989) and captured NAIA National Offensive Player of the Year honors in 1989. Clearly, Kirk Baumgartner College Football Hall of Fame credentials were built on years of sustained excellence.
Football Journey After College
Following a stellar collegiate career, Baumgartner earned an invitation to showcase his arm against top Division I talent at the 1990 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. His collegiate dominance caught the attention of professional scouts, leading the Green Bay Packers to select him in the ninth round (242nd overall) of the 1990 NFL Draft. Baumgartner signed and spent the 1990 preseason in training camp competing for a spot in Green Bay’s quarterback room alongside Don Majkowski and Anthony Dilweg before being released in late August ahead of the regular season. Notably, Kirk Baumgartner College Football Hall of Fame status was foreshadowed by his remarkable college statistics.
Football Legacy
Baumgartner proved that record-shattering passing excellence was not exclusive to Division I powerhouses. When his collegiate career concluded, his 14,847 passing yards stood as an all-divisions collegiate football record. His historic numbers helped establish UW–Stevens Point as a powerhouse of aerial innovation in the late 1980s. In recognition of his enduring impact, Baumgartner was inducted into the UW–Stevens Point Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001 and entered the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005, becoming just the second player from the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) to receive that national honor. Thus, the Kirk Baumgartner College Football Hall of Fame journey is celebrated throughout college football history.
Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats
- Accolades & Awards: As a final note, Kirk Baumgartner College Football Hall of Fame honors reflect not just records but a profound influence on the game.
- College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2005)
- UW–Stevens Point Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee (2001)
- NAIA National Offensive Player of the Year (1989)
- 3× First-Team NAIA All-American (1987, 1988, 1989)
- 2× WIAC Player of the Year / Conference MVP (1988, 1989)
- 3× First-Team All-WIAC Selection (1987, 1988, 1989)
- Senior Bowl Participant (1990)
- Collegiate Career Stats (UW–Stevens Point, 1986–1989):
- Completions / Attempts: 997 / 1,949
- Passing Yards: 14,847 (Single-season high: 5,127 yards in 1987)
- Passing Touchdowns: 122
- Total Offensive Yards: 14,553 (2,320 total plays)
- Professional Draft:
- 1990 NFL Draft: Round 9, Pick 242 (Green Bay Packers)
Celebrate Football History With Your Collection
"Heads up: A few links in this description are affiliate links. That means if you click through and grab something, I might get a small cut that helps keep the lights on here—at zero additional cost to you!"
