From Soccer to Football: SMU Kicker Brendan Baird's Unlikely Journey to the Gridiron

By Lone Star Sports | College Football

DALLAS, Texas — Brendan Baird never imagined his college athletic career would lead him to the football field.

After spending most of his life playing soccer, the SMU kicker is now making an impact for the Mustangs on the gridiron.

Baird connected on three field goals during SMU's 23-13 victory over Virginia, including a 45-yard attempt just before halftime.

But his journey to becoming a college football kicker was anything but conventional.

"My whole life was soccer, ever since I was three years old. I never, ever thought I would be playing football," Baird said following the victory.

An Unexpected Opportunity

Baird's transition to football began when he approached a coach on SMU's soccer staff about the possibility of trying out as a kicker.

He credited Coach Huddy for helping him get the opportunity.

"I went to him and I told him that, you know, I want to try kicking. And so he got me a tryout," Baird explained.

The process was far from immediate. According to Baird, it took six months before he received an opportunity to join the football program.

And when that opportunity finally came, he initially turned it down.

"It took six months for them to say yes, and when they did say yes, I told them no," Baird said.

Ultimately, encouragement from two important people in his life helped change his decision.

"Shout out to my girlfriend and my mom for making me do it," he said.

Taking a Chance on Football

For Baird, the decision involved more than simply switching sports.

Entering his fifth year at SMU, he wanted to continue his education and pursue a master's degree. Without a scholarship, the financial commitment and uncertainty surrounding football made the decision difficult.

"It was a huge risk for me," Baird said.

Having never played on a football team, he wasn't sure what to expect from the transition.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous," he admitted.

Despite those concerns, Baird eventually decided to take the opportunity.

Looking back, he believes it was the right choice.

"I'm so glad I did," he said.

Baird also credited SMU's football coaches and team culture for making the transition easier than he expected.

"The culture on this team, the coaches, everything, it's amazing," he said.

A Career-Building Moment Against Virginia

Against Virginia, Baird delivered one of the most memorable performances of his young football career.

Playing in just his third football game, Baird made all three of his field-goal attempts, including a 45-yarder near the end of the first half.

For someone still adjusting to a new sport, the moment meant more than simply adding three points to the scoreboard.

"That feeling is so surreal, you know, celebrating with the team," Baird said.

The successful kick provided another boost of confidence for the former soccer player, who continues to learn and grow in his new role.

"I really wanted it, you know, and I wanted to make a difference, and be a spark or whatever I could be, and have fun out there," Baird said.

Finding Inspiration in an NFL Kicker

As Baird continues developing his skills, he has found inspiration in another former soccer player who made the transition to football: Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey.

Although Baird has not met Aubrey, he regularly studies videos of the NFL kicker to improve his own technique.

"He is the one I have been watching for sure," Baird said.

"He makes it look very easy, and he is a very good kicker."

Baird said he keeps numerous clips of Aubrey kicking on his phone and hopes to meet him someday.

"He's my inspiration for this," Baird said.

A New Chapter at SMU

›What started as a simple interest in trying football has turned into an unexpected opportunity for Baird.

From waiting six months for a tryout to initially turning down the chance to join the team, his journey has been filled with uncertainty.

Now, just three games into his football career, Baird is contributing to SMU victories and gaining confidence with each opportunity.

For a player who once thought his athletic future would revolve entirely around soccer, the transition has opened a new chapter.

And after Saturday's performance against Virginia, Baird has another reason to believe he made the right decision.