Ray Renfro was the first North Texas football player to earn All-Pro honors in the National Football League.
A 6-1, 190-pound receiver and halfback from Whitesboro, Texas, Renfro had one of the great seasons in Mean Green history in 1951 when he averaged a remarkable 7.5 yards per rushing attempt, which remains a school record. North Texas captured the Gulf Coast Conference league championship that year, and Renfro earned all-conference honors and was named a first-team All-America running back. Renfro finished his career with a rushing average of 6.8 yards per attempt, which also remains a school record.
After his collegiate career, Renfro was drafted in the fourth round by the Cleveland Browns. Renfro split time at halfback and flanker early in his pro career but was used primarily as a receiver. After catching one pass for eight yards his rookie year, Renfro had a break-out season in 1953. He was second in the league in yards from scrimmage and was named to the 1953 Pro Bowl. Renfro was named to the Pro Bowl again in 1957 and 1960, and he was named All Pro in 1955 when he led the NFL in yards per reception with 20.8 yards a catch. He was also third in the league in touchdowns that year. Renfro earned All-Pro honors again in 1959. Renfro played in the NFL for 12 years, all with the Browns.
He also served as an NFL assistant coach in the NFL for the Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys.
Ray Renfro is the father of former Houston Oilers and Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Mike Renfro, and the older brother of fellow UNT Hall of Famer Dean Renfro.