University of Memphis Athletics
M Club Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1994
Will Renfro holds the distinction of being the first University of Memphis football player to ever play in the NFL. A native of Batesville, Mississippi, Renfro entered Memphis State College in 1950 and lettered for the varsity for four years. After graduation he was drafted into the United States Army and served his country for two years. In 1957 he signed with the Washington Redskins and played defensive end and tackle for the Redskins, as well as the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets before his retirement after the 1964 season. He returned to the Memphis area and coached at Bartlett High School for two years before entering the public service field as Superintendent of Roads in Mississippi. From 1983 until his retirement, Renfro served as a coach and assistant supervisor at Northwest Mississippi Community College.
