A four-time letterwinner with the Cardinals from 1979-82, Frank Minnifield excelled as a defensive back and kick returner. Deemed "too small" coming out of high school, Minnifield walked on at U of L and quickly received the scholarship recruiters failed to give him coming out of Lexington's Henry Clay High. Minnifield completed his collegiate career as one of the Cards' three captains for the 1982 campaign.
Minnifield led U of L in kickoff returns in 1981 with a 30.4 yard average and topped the Cards in punt returns with a 15-yard average. Upon completion of his eligibility, Minnifield began his professional career as a member of the Chicago Blitz in the United States Football League. He was a member of the Blitz for two seasons. Signed as a free agent by the Cleveland Browns, Minnifield went on to a nine-year career with the franchise before his retirement in 1992. He made four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances from 1987-90 and was a three-time all-NFL choice by AP. Statistically, he picked off 20 passes as a Brown and was one of the league's top man-to-man defenders. Minnifield also had a hand in creating one of professional sports great fans bases. In an attempt to get their defensive teammates fired up, Minnifield and fellow cornerback Hanford Dixon began barking like dogs whenever a standout play was made. Browns' fans caught onto the game, and the "Dawg Pound" was born. |
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