2015 SCHEDULE

20
H MEL RENFRO H
Defensive Back, 1964-77
INDUCTED – 1996
Mel Renfro first came to the Cowboys a highly-acclaimed running back out of the
University of Oregon. But Cowboys head coach Tom Landry saw Renfro as a defensive
back when they selected him in the second round of the 1964 draft.
And what a defensive back he was during his 14-year career, becoming arguably
the best safety-cornerback to ever play for the Cowboys, and one of the best to ever
play in the NFL. His 52 career interceptions and 26.4-yard career kickoff-return average still stand as team
records, both a tribute to his running ability.
The NFL certainly got to know Renfro in a hurry, having been elected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first
10 seasons in the NFL – the first six at free safety and the final four at cornerback. His 10 Pro Bowl appearances
is second to only Bob Lilly’s 11 for the Cowboys.
On top of his 10 Pro Bowls, Renfro was a four-time All-Pro, playing in four Super Bowls and eight NFC
Championships. He became the fifth member of the exclusive Ring of Honor in 1981, and was finally elected
to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996 in his 14th year of eligibility.
Renfro’s 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys ties him for second in club history, just one shy of the
record.
While at Oregon, Renfro led the team in rushing three consecutive years and was a two-time All-American.
Despite coming to the NFL as an acclaimed runner, Renfro only ran the ball eight times during his career, all
in 1966. Landry saw a free safety first, Renfro spending his first six seasons at safety and the final eight at
corner.
In the middle of Renfro’s All-Pro 1969 season, Landry was uncharacteristically complimentary toward one
of his players, calling him “the best in the league at free safety.”
But the Cowboys certainly figured out a way to capitalize on Renfro’s running ability, having him return
punts and kickoffs early in his career. He led the NFL in kickoff and punt returns his rookie season, and had
seven interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. Renfro still is tied for the franchise lead with two career
touchdown returns, and his 30-yard kick-off return average in 1965 still remains as the single-season high.
But it was interceptions Renfro was best known for during his career. In his first six years at free safety,
Renfro totaled 30 interceptions. His interception totals declined somewhat when Landry moved him to cornerback
for good in 1970. The decline had more to do with quarterbacks’ reluctance to throw his way than
any diminishing skills or quickness. His 626 interception return yards still stands as a career record for the
Cowboys.
That 1971 Pro Bowl possibly was the greatest indication of Renfro’s all-round ability. Not only did he play
cornerback, but be also returned two punts for touchdowns, leading the NFC to a 27-6 win and earning the
game’s Most Valuable Player award.
He was born Dec. 30, 1941, in Houston, Texas.
RENFRO’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
H 4-Time All-Pro
H 10-Time Pro Bowl
H 3-Time All-NFC
H Cowboys Career Record 52 interceptions
H Cowboys Career Record 26.4-yard kickoff-return average
H Cowboys Career Record 626 interception return yards
H Super Bowl VI and XII Titles
H 4 NFC Championships
H 9 Division Titles
H Consensus All-American, 1962
RENFRO’S CAREER TOTALS
Kickoff Returns
Punt Returns
No. Yds. Avg. Long TD No. Yds. Avg. Long TD
Totals....................85 2,246 26.4 100 2 Totals ..................109 842 7.7 69 1
STAFF PLAYERS 2014 SEASON RECORDS PLAYOFF HALL OF
RECORDS
FAME
Fum.
Interceptions
Rec. TD No. Yds. Avg. Long TD
Totals 12 3 Totals....................52 626 12.0 90t 3
*Official tackle and sack stats not tabulated until 1979.
399
SIDELINES