Jim Birdsall
Acting
Biography
Jim Birdsall is one of the most recognizable voices in American sports and documentary media—a man millions have heard but few have ever seen. Born and raised in the tiny town of Gladstone, North Dakota, Birdsall grew up along the riverbanks, spending his childhood fishing, rafting, and roaming a community where everyone knew everyone else. That small‑town upbringing shaped both his humility and his work ethic, even as his life took him far from the plains. Birdsall’s early passions were music and performance. A high‑school football player turned rock‑band musician, he played with groups like The Lost Souls, Phoenix, and The Unbelievable Uglies before eventually leaving school to pursue music full‑time. But the stage called him in a different way: he later completed both undergraduate and master’s degrees in theater, discovering a talent that would define his career. His entry into voice work came almost by accident. After a fellow actor commented on his distinctive gravel‑rich tone, Birdsall auditioned for local radio and TV spots in the mid‑1980s. His first commercial—recorded for a hardware store—paid so well that he realized he had found his path. From there, his voice quickly became synonymous with major national brands and networks. He became the signature voice of Hallmark Hall of Fame, CNBC, and National Geographic, building a prolific portfolio of narration, promos, and commercial work. Sports fans, however, know him best through NFL Films. Despite not seeing an NFL game in person until after graduate school, Birdsall became one of the company’s defining narrators, voicing long‑form documentaries, Super Bowl highlight films, and annual team retrospectives. His voice—gritty, commanding, unmistakably resonant—cuts through music and crowd noise in a way few others can, giving emotional weight to some of football’s most iconic moments. Birdsall has also appeared in or narrated numerous documentaries and television programs, including NASCAR Beyond the Wheel, History of the Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers Heroes. Today, from a modest studio in Kansas City, he continues to record for clients across the world, sending his voice into millions of homes while remaining grounded in the quiet Midwestern roots that shaped him. A musician, actor, narrator, and storyteller, Jim Birdsall is—quite simply—that guy whose voice you know, even if you never knew his name.
Known For
A grandfather shares two Christmas stories with his grandchildren: "Thieves' Christmas," a story about a band of thugs who learn the value of the holiday season, and "The Gift," in which a young shepherd overcomes adversity to witness the birth of Jesus.
The Spirit of the Season
The Complete History of the Buffalo Bills showcases one of the proudest franchises in pro football history. Relive the glory days of the American Football League championship years featuring Jack Kemp and Cookie Gilchrist, through the "Electric Company" of the 1970's. Watch history in the making as the Buffalo Bills became the only team in the NFL to win four consecutive AFC championships. From the Rockpile, to Ralph Wilson Stadium, to your very own living room, this thrilling program encompasses highlights from some of the greatest games, moments, and players in NFL history. With award-winning footage, the Complete History of the Buffalo Bills is the comprehensive story of fifty years of Bills football.
History of the Buffalo Bills
Step onto the sidelines and stand with legends such as Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and Bill Walsh as you watch one of the most successful teams in NFL history work its magic. From "The Alley Oop" to "The Catch", McElhenny to Montana ..."Joe the Jet" to Flash 80...Bill Walsh to George Seifert, the San Francisco 49ers boast a deep history of brilliant coaches, hard hitting defenses and high powered offenses. Now, here is a DVD collection no true 49ers fan can do without. "As Great As Gold" takes you on a tour that follows the team through the fabulous 50's, covers their resurgence in the 70's and highlights the glory years of a dynasty that won 5 Super Bowls. You'll also see the 1981 NFC Championship game, a see-saw battle which helped put the 49ers on top of the NFL's pecking order.
NFL History of the San Francisco 49ers
Forty-five years ago, the Miami Dolphins splashed into the NFL when Joe Auer returned the franchise’s opening kick-off 95 yards for a touchdown. It was the beginning of a historic journey encompassing some of the game’s legendary players, and the greatest single season in NFL history. From their start as an AFL doormat, witness their meteoric rise as Hall of Fame head coach Don Shula led Bob Griese, Larry Csonka and the “no-name defense” of the ‘70s to two world championships and the only undefeated season in pro football history. Later teams included “Killer B’s” defense of the ‘80s, record-setting quarterback Dan Marino and defensive powerhouses Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas. This film will grant you access to over four hours of extraordinary game highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, player and coach interviews, sound wires and more. Join NFL Films as they unfold a unique perspective on the living South Florida history that is the Miami Dolphins.
History of the Miami Dolphins
Relive the Patriots amazing run through the 2001 Playoffs with every play and every game, including their monumental upset over the heavily favored St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI which brought New England it's first World Championship.
3 Games to Glory
To pro football fans, Green Bay, Wisconsin will forever be known as Titletown, USA. The men who wore the green and gold made it that way by winning an NFL-record 13 World Championships. These are some of their stories. The careers of the some of the greatest legends in Packers history are documented in this exciting two-DVD set - Packers Heroes. Experience the veteran leadership of team captain Willie Davis, go inside the Packers' victory in Super Bowl XXXI led by the heroics of Reggie White and Desmond Howard, and witness some of the greatest moments in team history through icons Vince Lombardi and Curly Lambeau. From the Emmy award-winning NFL Films, Packers Heroes tells the story of pro football in Green Bay from the men who lived it.
Green Bay Packers Heroes
Retracing more than 70 years of NFL Films archives, Steelers: The Complete History spotlights the team that changed professional football.