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Witness the remarkable career of Mel Renfro, the electrifying defensive back and return specialist who...

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FOOTBALL TEAM | Dallas Cowboys

""Quicksilver" on the Corner: The Enduring Excellence of Mel Renfro"

Last updated 📅 2024-12-30

Witness the remarkable career of Mel Renfro, the electrifying defensive back and return specialist who became a cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys dynasty and a Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Born December 30, 1941, in Houston, Texas.

College Career

Mel Renfro was a standout two-sport athlete at the University of Oregon, excelling in both football and track and field. On the gridiron, Renfro was a dynamic halfback, earning All-Coast recognition three times and consensus All-American honors in 1962. He led the Ducks in rushing for three consecutive seasons (1961-1963) and showcased his versatility by also playing defensive back and even backup quarterback. In track, he earned All-American status as a hurdler and long jumper, contributing to Oregon's first NCAA team championship in 1962. His exceptional athleticism was evident in both sports.  

Road to the Pro Game

Renfro's exceptional athleticism and football prowess led the Dallas Cowboys to select him in the second round (17th overall) of the 1964 NFL Draft. Despite his college success as a running back, the Cowboys envisioned him as a defensive back and return specialist. Renfro quickly proved their foresight correct. In his rookie season, he led the NFL in both punt and kickoff return yardage and earned a Pro Bowl selection as a free safety, showcasing his immediate impact and versatility.

Football Legacy

Mel Renfro spent his entire 14-year NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys (1964-1977), becoming an integral part of their dominant defenses of the era. Initially a free safety, he later transitioned to cornerback, excelling at both positions. Known for his exceptional speed, fluid movements, and ball-hawking instincts, Renfro was a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and a dangerous return man. He played in four Super Bowls, winning two (VI and XII). His consistent excellence and leadership earned him a place in the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 1981 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996. He remains the Cowboys' all-time leader in career interceptions.  

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

2-time Super Bowl Champion (VI, XII)  
10-time Pro Bowl selection (1964-1973)  
4-time Second-team All-Pro (1964, 1965, 1969, 1972)  
NFL Interceptions Leader (1969)
NFL Kickoff Return Yards Leader (1964)
Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
Consensus All-American (1962)  
2-time First-team All-PCC (1962, 1963)  
College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1986)  
Career NFL Stats: 174 Games Played, 52 Interceptions (626 yards, 3 touchdowns), 109 Punt Returns (842 yards, 1 touchdown), 85 Kickoff Returns (2,246 yards, 2 touchdowns), 13 Fumble Recoveries (44 yards).  

Sources and related content
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RenfMe00.htm
https://goducks.com/honors/hall-of-fame/mel-renfro/170

  • HASHTAGS: #December30 #MelRenfro #DefensiveBack #DallasCowboys #OregonDucks #Number20 #CollegeFootballHallofFame #ProFootballHallofFame
  • DOB: December 30
  • EVENTDAY: December 30
  • FOOTBALL NAME: Mel Renfro
  • FOOTBALL POSITION: Defensive Back
  • FOOTBALL TEAM: Dallas Cowboys, Oregon Ducks
  • NFL JERSEY: Number 20
  • SPORTS: College Football Hall of Fame, Pro Football Hall of Fame
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