Dan Fouts and 9 other greatest NFL careers in Oregon football history

Successfully playing halfback and defensive back at the University of Oregon, Mel Renfro was drafted during the second round of the 1964 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.

In his rookie season, he led the Cowboys with seven interceptions as well as leading the entire NFL in both kick and punt return yardage. Renfro also helped lead Dallas’ defense to two Super Bowl victories in 1971 and 1977. 

During Super Bowl VI, Renfro and the Cowboys’ defense allowed just three points in their 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins. 

Then, in Super Bowl XII, his team only allowed 10 points in Dallas’ 27-10 win over the Denver Broncos.

Earning an invitation to the Pro Bowl his rookie year, Renfro went on to be a ten-time Pro Bowler in his 14 years in the league.

Renfro was voted second-team All-Pro in 1964, 1965, 1969, and 1972.

In total, he came down with 52 interceptions for 626 yards and three touchdowns. He returned 109 punts for 842 yards and one touchdown as well as 85 kickoffs for 2,246 yards and two touchdowns. Yes, the defensive star at six career touchdowns.

To add to the already glorious resume, Renfro recovered 13 fumbles for 44 yards.

He was the NFL interceptions leader in 1969 and the NFL kickoff return yards leader in 1964. A part of the Cowboys Ring of Honor, Renfro was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996.