From bird calls to ball calls: 12-year-old viral sensation helps announce Hawks schedule

From bird calls to ball calls: 12-year-old viral sensation helps announce Hawks schedule ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 30: A generic photo of the Atlanta Hawks Jumbotron during the game against the New York Knicks during Round One Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

By Chris Centore

Twelve-year-old Samuel Henderson, aka “Sam the Bird-Caller,” went viral after showing off his ridiculous bird-calling skills at his school talent show.

Now he’s taking those talents to the NBA… by announcing the Atlanta Hawks’ upcoming season schedule.

From the school talent show to the Hawks schedule. That’s one heck of a career trajectory.