Christian Kirk is headed for the NFL.

The Texas A&M junior wide receiver, who has close ties with Bermuda, has called time on his college career with one year remaining with the Aggies and declared his intentions to enter the NFL Draft in April.

The grandson of the late Florence Thomas-Kirk, who lived on North Shore, Pembroke and taught locally before moving to Indianapolis, made the big announcement on Twitter.

“With great excitement and appreciation, I’m announcing my intention to declare for the NFL draft,” he tweeted. “Thank you to everyone who has helped me get to this point. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Kirk’s announcement arrives just shy of the third anniversary of his commitment to play for Texas A&M, where he finishes second on the all-time reception list with 234 and third all-time in the SEC.

His six punt return touchdowns is a school record while he is third both on receiving touchdowns (26) and receiving yards (2,856).

Kirk led Texas A&M in his final season with 71 receptions for 919 yards and ten touchdowns and received first team All-SEC honours as an all-purpose player and second team All-SEC as a wide receiver.

“Almost exactly three years ago, I committed to play football at Texas A & M,” Kirk tweeted. “It was one of the best decisions of my life.

“I’m eternally grateful to coach [Kevin] Sumlin and his staff for welcoming a kid from Arizona just looking for an opportunity.

“Texas A&M and the College Station community became a second home for me and allowed me to live one of the biggest dreams of my life, playing college football for an elite programme and an elite fanbase. The 12th man is second to none and they will always live in my heart.

“My team-mates at A&M are my brothers for life. You guys made every moment and memory special.

“My family became even closer during the last three years. The long weekends of travelling to see me play by parents, sisters and grandparents gave me more inspiration than they could have ever imagined. You all are the reason I do what I do. Now, it’s time for the next step.”

Former New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce is the last player in the NFL with close ties with Bermuda.

Pierce, whose father is Bermudian, won the Vince Lombardi Trophy in 2008 after the Giants produced an upset in Super Bowl XLII to deny the New England Patriots a perfect season.