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Mel Renfro

Halfback

Inducted 1986

Date of Birth

12/30/1941

Birthplace

Houston, TX

School

University of Oregon (1961-1963)

Bio

Mel Renfro moved out of his native Houston, Texas, and attended high school in Portland, Oregon. Mel then moved on to the University of Oregon, where he played halfback at 5-11 and 190-pounds. Coach Leonard Casanova called Mel the best all-around football player he ever had. Renfro earned All-West Coast recognition as a sophomore, junior and senior. He led Oregon in rushing and scoring throughout his three seasons. He wound up in third place on Oregon's all-time career scoring list with 141 points, finished seventh on the all-time rushing list with 1,532 yards, and had the third longest run in Oregon history with an 80 yarder against Idaho in 1961. Selected consensus All-America in 1962, and a first-team pick in 1963, Mel was also chosen for the all-time, all-Northwest football team by a panel of sportswriters and former players from the area. He was also a track All-america as he ran the 120-yard high hurdles in 13.8 seconds. Renfro played pro football with the Dallas Cowboys for 14 years (1964-77).