&" honored jerseys
Bruce Armstrong
Doug Buffone
Ray Buchanan
Offensive Line 1983-86
LB/Center 1962-65
Cornerback 1989-92
A four-year letterwinner for the Cardinals from 1983-86, Armstrong opened his career as a tight end, making 33 receptions in his first two seasons at U of L. With the hiring of Howard Schnellenberger, Armstrong was moved to offensive tackle where he anchored the Cardinal line for the next two seasons. "I wasn't happy about it to say the least," Armstrong said of his initial reaction to the switch. Nobody is complaining after a long and distinguished NFL career. Armstrong did not allow a sack over his final 18 games as a collegian. He appeared in the 1986 Senior Bowl and was named U of L's most outstanding lineman following his senior season. Armstrong was drafted with the 23rd pick of the first round by the New England Patriots in 1987 to begin an association that continued for 15 seasons. A seven-time Pro Bowl honoree, Armstrong started 212 games for the Patriots and is the franchise's all-time leader in that category passing Julius Adams. Armstrong started 212 of a possible 220 nonstrike games (including the last 118 consecutive of his career) for the Patriots. The 6-4, 295pound tackle missed eight contests in 1992 after suffering what was feared to be a career-ending knee injury against the Buffalo Bills.
Doug Buffone was a standout on both sides of the football during his career with the Cardinals, playing offensive center and linebacker from 1962-65. He remains the Cardinals' No. 3 all-time tackler with 479, just nine stops behind the program's all-time leader Mark Sander ('87-90). Born in Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone is one of only four players to lead U of L in tackles for three consecutive seasons. The others are Sander, Tom Jackson ('70-72) and Tyrus McCloud ('94-96). Veteran head coach Frank Camp said Buffone was "the most complete ball player I've ever coached" Strong testimony from a man who tutored NFL greats like Johnny Unitas, Lenny Lyles, Ernie Green and Ken Kortas. Following his collegiate career, Buffone was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 1966 NFL Draft and the eighth round of the AFL by the San Diego Chargers. Buffone went on to play 15 seasons at linebacker for the Bears, retiring in 1980 as the all-time leader in games played for the legendary organization. In his professional career, Buffone gathered more than 1,200 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. He also had the honor of serving as defensive captain for eight seasons, beginning in 1972. Buffone retired with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bear linebackers. The first two career pickoffs of his storied career came off future Hall of Fames Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. His retirement from football also signaled the end of an era for the Bears as he was the last active Bear to have played for George Halas.
He endeared himself to all Louisville fans as ìBig Playî Ray, but it was a career that almost wasnít for Ray Buchanan. Arriving as a wide receiver/ running back from Maywood, Ill., Buchanan initially balked at being moved to the defensive backfield, to the point of almost transferring. After some convincing by coach Howard Schnellenberger, Buchanan made the switch and left his mark on the U of L and NFL history books as a two-time collegiate All-American and NFL Pro Bowl selection. Buchanan jumped on the scene as a sophomore in 1990, piling up 59 tackles and three interceptions in helping the Cardinals to the 1990 Sunkist Fiesta Bowl (including a key field goal block against Memphis to preserve the bowl bid). He then made his mark on the national stage as the Defensive MVP of the Fiesta Bowl with five tackles, a fumble recovery and a recovery of a blocked punt in the end zone as Louisville drilled Alabama 34-7. As a junior in 1991, Buchanan was named a preseason Playboy All-American as he compiled 108 tackles and set the then-single season record for interceptions with eight picks. Buchanan closed his U of L career with another stellar season as he compiled 95 tackles to go along with four interceptions and 10 pass breakups. Drafted in the third round by the Indianapolis Colts, Buchanan embarked on a continuing stellar professional career where he is considered one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. Buchanan would help lead the Colts to the NFC Championship game in 1996 before being traded to the Atlanta Falcons. He then put together five consecutive seasons of five or more interceptions while helping lead the ìDirty Birdsî to Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999.
77 56 34 honored jerseys
&"
Ernie Green
Tom Jackson
Joe Jacoby
Running Back 1958-61
Linebacker 1970-72
Offensive Tackle 1978-80
A native of Columbus, Ga., Ernie Green rushed for more than 1,500 yards in his career as a Louisville Cardinal. An outstanding athlete, Green led U of L in rushing during two of his four seasons and was a versatile player out of the backfield catching passes. Green also excelled on the baseball diamond spurning contract offers to remain on the gridiron. Green was selected in the 14th round of the 1962 NFL Draft by the reigning world champion Green Bay Packers. After surviving preseason camp, Green was sold to the Cleveland Browns where he would make a name for himself as one of the league's top fullbacks. After seeing limited action as a rookie in 1962, Green entered the Cleveland backfield alongside the legendary Jim Brown. Green finished his first full season of action with 526 rushing yards and catching 28 passes out of the backfield. He also helped open holes for Brown to gain 1,863 yards and 12 touchdowns. Following Brown's retirement in 1967, Green teamed with Leroy Kelly to give Cleveland one of the most dangerous backfield combinations in the NFL. Green earned a pair of Pro Bowl appearances following the 1966 and 1967 seasons and was a member of the Browns' 1964 NFL Championship team. He completed his six-year NFL career gaining 3,204 yards while catching 179 passes out of the backfield.
Tom Jackson spent three seasons as a linebacker for the Cardinals leading the team in tackles all three campaigns and earning all-Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year honors in 1970 and 1972. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Jackson played all three seasons under the watchful eye of the colorful Lee Corso as the Cards posted a 23-7-2 mark in Jackson's three seasons as an active player. Following his collegiate career, Jackson was selected in the fourth round of the 1973 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. He turned out to be one of the biggest draft day steals in history. For the next 14 seasons, Jackson would wear the Orange and Blue playing in 191 games overall and starting 179. His 191 career games played is second all-time on the Denver list trailing only John Elway. Voted onto the Broncos' Ring of Fame in 1992, Jackson earned three trips to the Pro Bowl and was twice named first-team All-Pro. One of the most popular players in Bronco history, Jackson was recognized by his teammates a franchise record six times as Denver's most inspirational player prior to his retirement in 1986. He retired fifth on the Broncos' all-time sacks list with 44 and was tied for the franchise lead in interceptions by a linebacker with 20. Jackson went on to an equally successful stint as a reporter and co-host of ESPN's awardwinning NFL GameDay and Primetime shows every autumn Sunday.
A hometown boy made good, Jacoby was a three-year letter winner as an offensive tackle for the Cardinals after coming in as a prep All-American in both football and basketball from Louisville Western High School. As a sophomore at U of L, his work along the offensive line helped Nathan Poole become one of just 11 Cardinals to rush for over 1,000 yards with 1,394 yards. He became a team captain as a senior. Following his career at Louisville, Jacoby was snubbed in the NFL draft before signing a free agent contract with the NFLís Washington Redskins. After battling his way through rookie camp in 1981, he embarked on an illustrious career which would catapult him to the pinnacle of the game. Along with fellow linemen Mark May, Russ Grimm and Jeff Bostic, Jacoby was a founding member of the famous ìHogsî offensive line which is considered among the best front fives in football history. As a unit, the Hogs helped lead the Redskins to Super Bowl appearances in 1983, 1984, 1988 and 1992, three of which produced an NFL championship. Perhaps Jacobyís most memorable moment was being the lead blocker on Redskins running back John Riggins famous touchdown run which iced Washingtonís Super Bowl XVII victory over the Miami Dolphins in 1983. That game saw the Redskins set a then-Super Bowl record for most rushing yards with 276, which was later surpassed when the Redskins rushed for 280 yards in their Super Bowl XXII win over Denver in 1988. Jacoby was a Pro Bowl selection for four consecutive years (1983-1986) before his retirement in 1992.
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honored jerseys
Lenny Lyles
Otto Knop
Frank Minnifield
Running Back 1954-57
OL/Linebacker 1949-52
Cornerback 1979-82
A trailblazer in the integration of the Louisville Cardinals football program, Lenny Lyles was an outstanding player on both sides of the football from 1954-57. Lyles was a four-year starter for the Cardinals and totaled 2,786 yards on the ground. He left the University as the program's all-time leading rusher but currently stands No. 3 behind Walter Peacock and Nathan Poole. Lyles scored a school-record 42 touchdowns in his storied career including 18 in 1957 to set a single season record which stood for more than 40 years. He remains the Cards' all-time scoring leader with 300 points in his storied career. Known as the "Fastest Man in Football" in '57, Lyles became the first Cardinal to surpass the 1,000-yard mark in a single season. His 1,207 yards not only earned him Little All-America acclaim but led all of college football in 1957. U of L posted a 25-12 mark during his career and travelled to the 1958 Sun Bowl following a 9-1 campaign in '57. U of L defeated Drake 34-20 in the New Year's Day contest, but Lyles was limited to just two carries after being injured. Following graduation, Lyles was selected in the first round of the '58 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts, where he teamed with Johnny Unitas. Lyles was traded to the San Francisco 49ers after two seasons. He returned to the Colts in '61 and played his final eight season in Baltimore. In his first stint with the Colts, Lyles had the honor of playing in the 1958 NFL Championship Game which ended in sudden-death with the Colts defeating the New York Giants, 23-17. The game has been called "the greatest NFL game ever played."
A four-year letterwinner at U of L as a linebacker and center from 1949-1952, he earned honorable mention Associated Press Little All-America honors as a sophomore and United Press International All-America his junior year. As a senior he was U of L team captain and a Collierís Little All-America first team selection. It wasnít uncommon for him to play the entire 60 minutes of a football game. He was inducted into the U of L Athletic Hall of Fame in 1979 in its second induction class, and was inducted into the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994. Possibly his most memorable highlight was a fumble recovery that led to the tying touchdown in a stunning 13-13 deadlock at heavily favored Miami (FL) in 1950. Prior to attending Louisville, he lettered in football, basketball, swimming and track at local St. Xavier High School. Following his collegiate career, Knop played on the Boling Air Force Base gridiron team in 1954 and 1955, captaining the í55 national service championship team. He served as an assistant coach at St. X from 1956 to 1959. He worked for Hubbuch in Kentucky for 20 years before founding Knop Family Inc., a Louisville design firm of which he was president before his death in 1987. Three of his sons were lettermen for the red and black football team; Otto Jr. (19761979), Brian (1978) and Kurt (1980-1981).
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. In four seasons, Minnifield intercepted seven passes including a career-best three during his sophomore campaign of 1980. 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 nineyear 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.
26 56 1 honored jerseys
&$
Chris Redman
DwayneWoodruff
Quarterback 1996-99
Defensive Back 1996-99
A lifetime Louisville native, Chris Redman followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather playing football for the Cardinals. When the smoke had cleared on his fouryear career, Redman's name dotted not only the U of L record books but the NCAA's as well. Redman closed his career as the NCAA all-time leader in passes attempted and completed while finishing the 1999 season as one of just three Division I-A signalcallers to throw for more than 12,000 yards in a career. The Parade National High School Player of the Year at nearby Male High, Redman finished his Cardinal career completing 1,031 of 1,679 passes for 12,541 yards and 84 touchdowns. A first-team all-Conference USA selection and the league's offensive player of the year in 1999, Redman also added the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award to his mantle. Redman's junior campaign of 1998 rewrote the U of L and C-USA record books as he passed for 4,042 yards and 29 scores despite playing in just 10 regular season games. His 44-of-56, 592-yard afternoon against East Carolina was the nation's top single game passing performance in 1998. Redman was the first Cardinal QB to lead his team to back-toback bowl appearances. Known as much for his fishing and golfing expertise as his exploits on the gridiron within the Louisville community, Redman was selected in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens and heads into the 2003 season as the teamís starting quarterback.
A three-time letterman for the Cardinals, Woodruff opened his career as a reserve running back and wide receiver from New Richmond, Ohio but was moved to the secondary by thenhead coach Vince Gibson following his sophomore campaign. In his two seasons as a defensive back, Woodruff collected 161 tackles while intercepting three passes and recovering three fumbles. Woodruff accounted for 97 total tackles in 1977 as the Cardinals advanced to the Independence Bowl. Following his collegiate career, Woodruff was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 1979 National Football League Draft. Woodruff spent 11 of the next 12 seasons as a member of the Steelers earning a victory in Super Bowl XIV as a rookie for the Steeler dynasty. His 37 career interceptions still ranks fifth all-time in the Steel Curtain record books while his three interception returns for touchdowns is the third-most in Pittsburgh history. Woodruff was named the team's most valuable player following the 1992 season when he topped the team with five interceptions. He led the Steelers in picks during five different campaigns - 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988 and 1989.
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honored jerseys
Doug Buffone
Ray Buchanan
Offensive Line 1983-86
LB/Center 1962-65
Cornerback 1989-92
A four-year letterwinner for the Cardinals from 1983-86, Armstrong opened his career as a tight end, making 33 receptions in his first two seasons at U of L. With the hiring of Howard Schnellenberger, Armstrong was moved to offensive tackle where he anchored the Cardinal line for the next two seasons. "I wasn't happy about it to say the least," Armstrong said of his initial reaction to the switch. Nobody is complaining after a long and distinguished NFL career. Armstrong did not allow a sack over his final 18 games as a collegian. He appeared in the 1986 Senior Bowl and was named U of L's most outstanding lineman following his senior season. Armstrong was drafted with the 23rd pick of the first round by the New England Patriots in 1987 to begin an association that continued for 15 seasons. A seven-time Pro Bowl honoree, Armstrong started 212 games for the Patriots and is the franchise's all-time leader in that category passing Julius Adams. Armstrong started 212 of a possible 220 nonstrike games (including the last 118 consecutive of his career) for the Patriots. The 6-4, 295pound tackle missed eight contests in 1992 after suffering what was feared to be a career-ending knee injury against the Buffalo Bills.
Doug Buffone was a standout on both sides of the football during his career with the Cardinals, playing offensive center and linebacker from 1962-65. He remains the Cardinals' No. 3 all-time tackler with 479, just nine stops behind the program's all-time leader Mark Sander ('87-90). Born in Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone is one of only four players to lead U of L in tackles for three consecutive seasons. The others are Sander, Tom Jackson ('70-72) and Tyrus McCloud ('94-96). Veteran head coach Frank Camp said Buffone was "the most complete ball player I've ever coached" Strong testimony from a man who tutored NFL greats like Johnny Unitas, Lenny Lyles, Ernie Green and Ken Kortas. Following his collegiate career, Buffone was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 1966 NFL Draft and the eighth round of the AFL by the San Diego Chargers. Buffone went on to play 15 seasons at linebacker for the Bears, retiring in 1980 as the all-time leader in games played for the legendary organization. In his professional career, Buffone gathered more than 1,200 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. He also had the honor of serving as defensive captain for eight seasons, beginning in 1972. Buffone retired with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bear linebackers. The first two career pickoffs of his storied career came off future Hall of Fames Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. His retirement from football also signaled the end of an era for the Bears as he was the last active Bear to have played for George Halas.
He endeared himself to all Louisville fans as ìBig Playî Ray, but it was a career that almost wasnít for Ray Buchanan. Arriving as a wide receiver/ running back from Maywood, Ill., Buchanan initially balked at being moved to the defensive backfield, to the point of almost transferring. After some convincing by coach Howard Schnellenberger, Buchanan made the switch and left his mark on the U of L and NFL history books as a two-time collegiate All-American and NFL Pro Bowl selection. Buchanan jumped on the scene as a sophomore in 1990, piling up 59 tackles and three interceptions in helping the Cardinals to the 1990 Sunkist Fiesta Bowl (including a key field goal block against Memphis to preserve the bowl bid). He then made his mark on the national stage as the Defensive MVP of the Fiesta Bowl with five tackles, a fumble recovery and a recovery of a blocked punt in the end zone as Louisville drilled Alabama 34-7. As a junior in 1991, Buchanan was named a preseason Playboy All-American as he compiled 108 tackles and set the then-single season record for interceptions with eight picks. Buchanan closed his U of L career with another stellar season as he compiled 95 tackles to go along with four interceptions and 10 pass breakups. Drafted in the third round by the Indianapolis Colts, Buchanan embarked on a continuing stellar professional career where he is considered one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. Buchanan would help lead the Colts to the NFC Championship game in 1996 before being traded to the Atlanta Falcons. He then put together five consecutive seasons of five or more interceptions while helping lead the ìDirty Birdsî to Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999.
77 56 34 honored jerseys
&"
Ernie Green
Tom Jackson
Joe Jacoby
Running Back 1958-61
Linebacker 1970-72
Offensive Tackle 1978-80
A native of Columbus, Ga., Ernie Green rushed for more than 1,500 yards in his career as a Louisville Cardinal. An outstanding athlete, Green led U of L in rushing during two of his four seasons and was a versatile player out of the backfield catching passes. Green also excelled on the baseball diamond spurning contract offers to remain on the gridiron. Green was selected in the 14th round of the 1962 NFL Draft by the reigning world champion Green Bay Packers. After surviving preseason camp, Green was sold to the Cleveland Browns where he would make a name for himself as one of the league's top fullbacks. After seeing limited action as a rookie in 1962, Green entered the Cleveland backfield alongside the legendary Jim Brown. Green finished his first full season of action with 526 rushing yards and catching 28 passes out of the backfield. He also helped open holes for Brown to gain 1,863 yards and 12 touchdowns. Following Brown's retirement in 1967, Green teamed with Leroy Kelly to give Cleveland one of the most dangerous backfield combinations in the NFL. Green earned a pair of Pro Bowl appearances following the 1966 and 1967 seasons and was a member of the Browns' 1964 NFL Championship team. He completed his six-year NFL career gaining 3,204 yards while catching 179 passes out of the backfield.
Tom Jackson spent three seasons as a linebacker for the Cardinals leading the team in tackles all three campaigns and earning all-Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year honors in 1970 and 1972. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Jackson played all three seasons under the watchful eye of the colorful Lee Corso as the Cards posted a 23-7-2 mark in Jackson's three seasons as an active player. Following his collegiate career, Jackson was selected in the fourth round of the 1973 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. He turned out to be one of the biggest draft day steals in history. For the next 14 seasons, Jackson would wear the Orange and Blue playing in 191 games overall and starting 179. His 191 career games played is second all-time on the Denver list trailing only John Elway. Voted onto the Broncos' Ring of Fame in 1992, Jackson earned three trips to the Pro Bowl and was twice named first-team All-Pro. One of the most popular players in Bronco history, Jackson was recognized by his teammates a franchise record six times as Denver's most inspirational player prior to his retirement in 1986. He retired fifth on the Broncos' all-time sacks list with 44 and was tied for the franchise lead in interceptions by a linebacker with 20. Jackson went on to an equally successful stint as a reporter and co-host of ESPN's awardwinning NFL GameDay and Primetime shows every autumn Sunday.
A hometown boy made good, Jacoby was a three-year letter winner as an offensive tackle for the Cardinals after coming in as a prep All-American in both football and basketball from Louisville Western High School. As a sophomore at U of L, his work along the offensive line helped Nathan Poole become one of just 11 Cardinals to rush for over 1,000 yards with 1,394 yards. He became a team captain as a senior. Following his career at Louisville, Jacoby was snubbed in the NFL draft before signing a free agent contract with the NFLís Washington Redskins. After battling his way through rookie camp in 1981, he embarked on an illustrious career which would catapult him to the pinnacle of the game. Along with fellow linemen Mark May, Russ Grimm and Jeff Bostic, Jacoby was a founding member of the famous ìHogsî offensive line which is considered among the best front fives in football history. As a unit, the Hogs helped lead the Redskins to Super Bowl appearances in 1983, 1984, 1988 and 1992, three of which produced an NFL championship. Perhaps Jacobyís most memorable moment was being the lead blocker on Redskins running back John Riggins famous touchdown run which iced Washingtonís Super Bowl XVII victory over the Miami Dolphins in 1983. That game saw the Redskins set a then-Super Bowl record for most rushing yards with 276, which was later surpassed when the Redskins rushed for 280 yards in their Super Bowl XXII win over Denver in 1988. Jacoby was a Pro Bowl selection for four consecutive years (1983-1986) before his retirement in 1992.
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honored jerseys
Lenny Lyles
Otto Knop
Frank Minnifield
Running Back 1954-57
OL/Linebacker 1949-52
Cornerback 1979-82
A trailblazer in the integration of the Louisville Cardinals football program, Lenny Lyles was an outstanding player on both sides of the football from 1954-57. Lyles was a four-year starter for the Cardinals and totaled 2,786 yards on the ground. He left the University as the program's all-time leading rusher but currently stands No. 3 behind Walter Peacock and Nathan Poole. Lyles scored a school-record 42 touchdowns in his storied career including 18 in 1957 to set a single season record which stood for more than 40 years. He remains the Cards' all-time scoring leader with 300 points in his storied career. Known as the "Fastest Man in Football" in '57, Lyles became the first Cardinal to surpass the 1,000-yard mark in a single season. His 1,207 yards not only earned him Little All-America acclaim but led all of college football in 1957. U of L posted a 25-12 mark during his career and travelled to the 1958 Sun Bowl following a 9-1 campaign in '57. U of L defeated Drake 34-20 in the New Year's Day contest, but Lyles was limited to just two carries after being injured. Following graduation, Lyles was selected in the first round of the '58 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts, where he teamed with Johnny Unitas. Lyles was traded to the San Francisco 49ers after two seasons. He returned to the Colts in '61 and played his final eight season in Baltimore. In his first stint with the Colts, Lyles had the honor of playing in the 1958 NFL Championship Game which ended in sudden-death with the Colts defeating the New York Giants, 23-17. The game has been called "the greatest NFL game ever played."
A four-year letterwinner at U of L as a linebacker and center from 1949-1952, he earned honorable mention Associated Press Little All-America honors as a sophomore and United Press International All-America his junior year. As a senior he was U of L team captain and a Collierís Little All-America first team selection. It wasnít uncommon for him to play the entire 60 minutes of a football game. He was inducted into the U of L Athletic Hall of Fame in 1979 in its second induction class, and was inducted into the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994. Possibly his most memorable highlight was a fumble recovery that led to the tying touchdown in a stunning 13-13 deadlock at heavily favored Miami (FL) in 1950. Prior to attending Louisville, he lettered in football, basketball, swimming and track at local St. Xavier High School. Following his collegiate career, Knop played on the Boling Air Force Base gridiron team in 1954 and 1955, captaining the í55 national service championship team. He served as an assistant coach at St. X from 1956 to 1959. He worked for Hubbuch in Kentucky for 20 years before founding Knop Family Inc., a Louisville design firm of which he was president before his death in 1987. Three of his sons were lettermen for the red and black football team; Otto Jr. (19761979), Brian (1978) and Kurt (1980-1981).
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. In four seasons, Minnifield intercepted seven passes including a career-best three during his sophomore campaign of 1980. 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 nineyear 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.
26 56 1 honored jerseys
&$
Chris Redman
DwayneWoodruff
Quarterback 1996-99
Defensive Back 1996-99
A lifetime Louisville native, Chris Redman followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather playing football for the Cardinals. When the smoke had cleared on his fouryear career, Redman's name dotted not only the U of L record books but the NCAA's as well. Redman closed his career as the NCAA all-time leader in passes attempted and completed while finishing the 1999 season as one of just three Division I-A signalcallers to throw for more than 12,000 yards in a career. The Parade National High School Player of the Year at nearby Male High, Redman finished his Cardinal career completing 1,031 of 1,679 passes for 12,541 yards and 84 touchdowns. A first-team all-Conference USA selection and the league's offensive player of the year in 1999, Redman also added the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award to his mantle. Redman's junior campaign of 1998 rewrote the U of L and C-USA record books as he passed for 4,042 yards and 29 scores despite playing in just 10 regular season games. His 44-of-56, 592-yard afternoon against East Carolina was the nation's top single game passing performance in 1998. Redman was the first Cardinal QB to lead his team to back-toback bowl appearances. Known as much for his fishing and golfing expertise as his exploits on the gridiron within the Louisville community, Redman was selected in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens and heads into the 2003 season as the teamís starting quarterback.
A three-time letterman for the Cardinals, Woodruff opened his career as a reserve running back and wide receiver from New Richmond, Ohio but was moved to the secondary by thenhead coach Vince Gibson following his sophomore campaign. In his two seasons as a defensive back, Woodruff collected 161 tackles while intercepting three passes and recovering three fumbles. Woodruff accounted for 97 total tackles in 1977 as the Cardinals advanced to the Independence Bowl. Following his collegiate career, Woodruff was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 1979 National Football League Draft. Woodruff spent 11 of the next 12 seasons as a member of the Steelers earning a victory in Super Bowl XIV as a rookie for the Steeler dynasty. His 37 career interceptions still ranks fifth all-time in the Steel Curtain record books while his three interception returns for touchdowns is the third-most in Pittsburgh history. Woodruff was named the team's most valuable player following the 1992 season when he topped the team with five interceptions. He led the Steelers in picks during five different campaigns - 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988 and 1989.
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honored jerseys
