Terry Kirby's journey in professional football began when he was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. A running back with a knack for catching passes, Kirby quickly demonstrated his ability to adapt to the professional level. During his rookie season, he played in all 16 games, starting in 10 of them. He accumulated 390 rushing yards and scored three touchdowns, while also proving to be a reliable receiver out of the backfield with 874 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.
Kirby's versatility as a dual-threat running back was a valuable asset for the Dolphins. Over the next few seasons, he continued to be a consistent performer, both on the ground and through the air. In 1994, he played in 14 games, starting 11, and recorded 414 rushing yards along with 66 receptions for 618 yards. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game made him a valuable player for Miami.
In 1996, Kirby's career took a new turn when he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. During his time with the 49ers, he continued to showcase his skills as a pass-catching running back. In the 1996 season, he played in 16 games, starting 11, and recorded 559 rushing yards and 52 receptions for 457 yards. His performance helped the 49ers maintain a strong offensive presence.
Kirby's tenure with the 49ers lasted until 1998, after which he joined the Cleveland Browns. Although his time with the Browns was brief, he continued to contribute as a reliable option in the backfield. In 1999, he played in 16 games, starting 10, and recorded 452 rushing yards and 38 receptions for 355 yards.
In 2000, Kirby signed with the Oakland Raiders, where he played for two seasons. During his time with the Raiders, he continued to be a dependable player, contributing both as a runner and a receiver. In 2000, he played in 16 games, starting 5, and recorded 282 rushing yards and 32 receptions for 298 yards. His final season in the NFL was in 2001, where he played in 14 games, starting 1, and recorded 96 rushing yards and 13 receptions for 134 yards.
Throughout his career, Terry Kirby was known for his ability to adapt to different teams and offensive schemes. His skills as a pass-catching running back were particularly valuable in an era when the NFL was increasingly emphasizing the passing game.
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