Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has proudly presented Carl Birdsong, '83, with the university’s prestigious Presidential Order of Merit. The award was presented by SWOSU's Acting President, Dr. Janet Cunningham, during SWOSU’s Homecoming football game on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
The Presidential Order of Merit is the highest honor personally bestowed by the SWOSU chief executive and recognizes those who have demonstrated extraordinary achievement at the state, national or international level in their field along with sustained service to the SWOSU community. Birdsong joins a distinguished group of SWOSU alumni and friends who have received the Presidential Order of Merit for exceptional service and achievement.
An Amarillo High School graduate, Birdsong went on to a lengthy career in the National Football League (NFL) as a punter after starring at SWOSU in the late 1970s. Birdsong was a two-time NAIA All-American who averaged more than 45.6 yards a punt. Many of his punting marks still stand today as both school and NAIA marks. Birdsong spent five years playing for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1981-1986 and was an all-pro punter in 1984. He was the NFC All-Rookie punter in 1981 and led the NFC in punting average in 1983. He made the Pro Bowl in 1983, joining stars like Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Joe Theismann, Lawrence Taylor and Walter Payton.
Despite his on-field success, Carl continued pursuing his pharmaceutical degree during his first two years in the NFL and graduated Summa Cum Laude from the SWOSU School of Pharmacy. He then worked in the off seasons as a pharmacist. Following a coaching change in 1986, Carl retired from the NFL and continued his pharmacy career until retirement as the President and Chief Compliance Officer for Maxor National Pharmacy Services Corporation.
Birdsong was inducted into the SWOSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993. In 2017, he was named SWOSU’s Outstanding Pharmacy Alumnus. Birdsong’s lasting devotion and support for SWOSU are evident through his continued engagement and philanthropy. He and his wife, Shylan, are avid supporters of SWOSU Football through the SWOSU Football Legacy Fund.
Carl and Shylan are blessed with a son, Dr. Orry Birdsong, a 2008 SWOSU alumnus, his wife Tayrsa, and grandsons Taven and Slade; and a daughter, Shylana, her husband Dr. Tyler Enos, and grandsons Levi and Luke.
"Congratulations to Carl and Shylan Birdsong on this well-deserved recognition," said Cunningham. "We are deeply grateful to the Birdsong Family for their continued investment in and involvement with SWOSU!"
The SWOSU Presidential Order of Merit is headed by the SWOSU President and stewarded by the SWOSU Foundation, Inc. An independent, institutionally related charitable entity headquartered on the SWOSU Campus in the historic Burton House, the Foundation was established in 1977 to promote philanthropy, award scholarships and distribute funds to support the activities and programs of SWOSU.
For more information, please contact the SWOSU Office of Institutional Advancement at 580-774-3267 or visit www.SWOSUFoundation.com.
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