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Mel Renfro excelled as a blue-chip defensive
back for the Dallas Cowboys from 1964 to 1977. The 6-0, 190-pounder, who had been an All-America halfback as well as an outstanding track star at the University of Oregon, was the Cowboys’ second-round pick in the 1964 NFL Draft.
He began his career at safety but switched to cornerback in his fifth season. It was as cornerback that he enjoyed his greatest success in the NFL. During his first three seasons, Renfro also excelled as a punt and kickoff return specialist.
Renfro, who was born December 30, 1941, in
Houston, Texas, had a spectacular rookie season in 1964. He led the Cowboys with seven interceptions, topped the NFL in both punt return and kickoff return yardage and culminated his great campaign with an invitation to the Pro Bowl.
Renfro, who was blessed with 4.65 speed and an exceptional ability for lateral movement, earned a Pro Bowl invitation his first 10 seasons but did miss the 1973 game because of injury. An All-NFL choice in 1964, 1965, 1969, 1971, and 1973, he also earned all-conference honors seven times.
Mel led the NFL with 10 interceptions in 1969. In his 14-season career, Renfro intercepted 52 passes that he returned for 626 yards. He returned 109 punts for 842 yards and 85 kickoffs for 2,246 yards and a sparkling 26.4-yard average.
In his career, he scored six touchdowns, three on interceptions, one on a punt return and two on kickoff runbacks. Renfro played in eight NFL/NFC championship games and four Super Bowls. His interception set up the Cowboys winning touchdown in a 17-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers in the 1970 NFC title game. He retired after Super Bowl XII.
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