Bryan Kirkland Bids Farewell to the Court After 33 Years of Wheelchair Rugby Excellence
This weekend’s national championship game in Tampa, Florida, will mark the end of an era for adaptive wheelchair rugby as one of the sport’s most decorated and respected athletes, Bryan Kirkland, officially retires after 33 incredible years of competitive play. A true legend in the sport, Kirkland exits the court having won seven national championships, two Paralympic gold medals, and the admiration of teammates, coaches, fans, and opponents alike. As a USWRA Hall of Famer and Ring of Honor member for the Texas Stampede, Kirkland has set a gold standard for what it means to be a competitor, a leader, and a teammate.
Widely considered the best 2.0 classification player in wheelchair rugby history, Kirkland’s dominance on the court has been unmatched for more than three decades. His physicality, speed, and unmatched game intelligence allowed him to influence every area of play. Whether scoring, setting picks, or locking down defensively, Kirkland did it all, and did it better than most ever could.
Executive Director of the Texas Stampede Foundation and former Team USA and Stampede Head Coach reflected on Kirkland’s impact: “I don’t know that there will ever be another player that dominated a class for as long as Bryan has. The combination of size, speed, sport IQ, and passion are things that separate him from everybody else. He could play all areas of the game and the best part was his willingness to play above his class as well as below. The entire sport will miss him on and especially off the court. He made everyone better and it was a privilege to work with him.”
Texas Stampede Head Coach Gabriel Garcia echoed the sentiment, sharing: “After 10 plus years with the team, Bryan has shown every single player he has ever played with the way to play the sport. Bryan’s work ethic, competitiveness, and leadership are unmatched. As a Paralympic gold medalist, Bryan helped the team reach the highest level and continually stay there. Big loss for the team, but the team will focus on next year trying to carry on his competitive vigor!”
USWRA Board Member and fellow Stampede athlete Daniel Curtis captured the emotional weight of Kirkland’s departure, stating, “Bryan Kirkland is living proof that resilience knows no bounds—33 years on the court, eight national championships, and a Paralympian’s legacy forged through grit, heart, and unrelenting passion. Yet what makes BK truly remarkable isn’t just the titles he’s earned, but the grace with which he honors every teammate, the gratitude he shows to the fans, and the unwavering love he shares with his wife Shai, whose support has been the quiet strength behind every victory. His journey isn’t just about sport—it’s about character, commitment, and the power of community.”
Though he’s stepping off the court, Kirkland will remain involved with the sport he’s helped shape, while keeping a promise to his wife Shai—his biggest fan—to spend more time at home and off the road. Teammate Sebastien Verdin added a heartfelt message, saying, “It was a real pleasure to evolve by his side and share the field with him.” The entire Texas Stampede family joins together in wishing Bryan and Shai the very best in the next chapter of their lives. The legacy he leaves behind will forever echo in the heart of the Stampede.
For more information about Bryan Kirkland and the Texas Stampede, visit www.fearthesteer.org