Frank “Bruiser” Kinard was a legendary figure in the sport of football, renowned for his athleticism and contributions to the game.
Kinard was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a charter member in 1951 and later into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971.
He first emerged as a dominant tackle while playing college football for Ole Miss from 1935 to 1937, where his prowess on the field earned him numerous accolades.
After college, Kinard continued his football career with the Brooklyn Dodgers in the NFL from 1938 to 1944. Despite his relatively small size for a tackle, weighing just 195 pounds when he began his pro career, Kinard’s performance was nothing short of remarkable.
His ability to outmaneuver opponents and exhibit strength made him a standout player of his era. Fans can learn more about his prestigious career in the Hall of Fame.
Kinard’s impact on football extended beyond his playing career. He later served as a coach and athletic administrator, continually shaping the sport with his expertise and passion. His journey from a gridiron star to a respected football figure underscores his lasting legacy in the football community.
Who Is Bruiser Kinard?
Frank “Bruiser” Kinard was a notable American football player known for his strong and agile playing style. He made significant contributions to the sport as both a player and a coach. His accomplishments in football earned him places in both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Where Did Bruiser Kinard Grow Up?
Bruiser Kinard was born in Pelahatchie, Mississippi, on October 23, 1914. He grew up in the small town, which greatly influenced his early love for football.
Pelahatchie, a rural community, provided the backdrop for his early years, where he began developing his athletic skills.
Kinard attended high school in Jackson, Mississippi, at Central High School. It was here that he started to gain attention for his football talent.
He showed exceptional skill on the field, setting the stage for his future success in college and professional football.
Where Does Bruiser Kinard Live?
After his illustrious playing career, Kinard stayed connected to his roots in Mississippi. Upon retiring from professional football, he returned to Oxford, Mississippi, where he took on various roles at the University of Mississippi.
These roles included coaching and serving as an athletic administrator, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community that had supported him.
He also spent a significant part of his life in Jackson, Mississippi. Kinard passed away in Jackson on September 7, 1985, having lived a life deeply connected to his home state.
Who Is Bruiser Kinard Married To?
Bruiser Kinard was married to the love of his life, Mildred Kinard. The couple shared many years together, supporting each other through the ups and downs of a professional athletic career.
Mildred was not just a supporter but also played an integral role in the stability of Kinard’s personal life. Their marriage was a partnership that lasted through his football career and beyond, showcasing the strength of their bond.
They were a well-known couple in their community, often seen at various local events and university functions.
Does Bruiser Kinard Have Children?
Yes, Bruiser Kinard and his wife, Mildred, had children. Family life was important to Kinard, and he made sure to balance it with his professional responsibilities.
The couple’s children were raised in a supportive environment that valued education and athletics.
His children carried forward the values and passion for sports that Kinard exemplified throughout his life. While he was renowned for his achievements in football, Kinard’s role as a father and family man was also highly respected and cherished.
Bruiser Kinard College Football Career
Frank “Bruiser” Kinard had a standout college football career marked by impressive statistics, leadership on the field, and numerous awards. Kinard’s contributions to his team are still celebrated today.
Where Did Bruiser Kinard Play College Football?
Bruiser Kinard played for the University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss, from 1935 to 1937. He was a key player for the Rebels, contributing significantly to their successes during his tenure.
Kinard played as a tackle and was well-known for his exceptional skills and stamina, rarely leaving the field.
In 1936, he played 708 minutes out of a possible 720, showing his endurance and dedication. His incredible performance helped Ole Miss achieve a 9-3 record in 1935, a highlight during his college years. His play on the field earned him a reputation as a perfect lineman, consistently praised for his performance.
Did Bruiser Kinard Coach College Football?
After his college playing days, Bruiser Kinard remained involved with football, though he was more famous for his playing career than his coaching. While his primary contributions came as a player, his knowledge and experience in the game undoubtedly influenced those around him.
Kinard’s main coaching role came later in life when he transitioned to professional football and administrative roles. While at Ole Miss, his focus was mainly on playing rather than coaching.
His leadership on the field, however, often acted as an informal form of coaching to his teammates.
What Awards Did Bruiser Kinard Accomplish In College Football?
Kinard earned numerous awards during his time at Ole Miss. He was named to the All-America team, signifying his status as one of the best players in college football.
He was also an All-SEC selection, solidifying his reputation in the Southeastern Conference.
In recognition of his outstanding college career, Kinard was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951. This honor was a testament to his impact on the game and his lasting legacy.
What Bowl Games Did Bruiser Kinard Win In College Football?
During Kinard’s time at Ole Miss, the team did not participate in many bowl games. However, his performances were exceptional, leading the team to several notable victories.
The 9-3 record in 1935 was a significant achievement for the Rebels, showcasing Kinard’s contributions.
Although Kinard’s college career did not include major bowl game victories, his overall contributions to Ole Miss’s successes were invaluable. His efforts laid the foundation for the future successes of Ole Miss football.
Bruiser Kinard Professional Football Career
Bruiser Kinard had a notable career in professional football, contributing significantly both on the field and as a coach. He was recognized for his prowess in multiple leagues and earned several prestigious awards.
Did Bruiser Kinard Play In The NFL?
Bruiser Kinard began his professional football career in the National Football League (NFL). He played as an offensive tackle for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1938 to 1944.
During his time with the team, he was known for his versatility, playing both offensive and defensive positions.
Kinard’s skills earned him four All-Pro selections, showcasing his talent and consistency. He played a total of 101 games in the NFL, making a significant impact on the field. His contributions were vital for the Brooklyn Dodgers during an era when football was evolving rapidly.
Did Bruiser Kinard Coach In The NFL?
After retiring as a player, Kinard transitioned into coaching, but not initially in the NFL. He served as an assistant coach at the University of Mississippi, his alma mater.
His coaching career in professional football saw him take on roles in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC).
During this period, he provided valuable insights and strategies, benefiting from his extensive playing experience. Though primarily known for his playing days, Kinard’s coaching efforts helped foster new talent and reinforce the tactical side of football.
What Awards Did Bruiser Kinard Accomplish In Professional Football?
Bruiser Kinard was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a player in 1971. This followed his earlier induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951.
His accolades also include multiple All-Pro selections, which underline his dominance as a lineman.
Kinard’s recognition as a “perfect lineman” came from his unwavering commitment and performance on the field. His enshrinement in both hall of fames cements his legacy in both college and professional football, highlighting his dual success in both arenas.
Did Bruiser Kinard Win A Super Bowl?
Bruiser Kinard did not win a Super Bowl during his professional football career. His playing years preceded the first Super Bowl, which was held in 1967.
The Brooklyn Dodgers, the team he primarily played for, did not achieve a championship during his tenure.
Nevertheless, his individual accomplishments and accolades more than made up for the lack of a championship title. By being a standout player and later contributing as a coach, Kinard left an indelible mark on the sport.
What Is Bruiser Kinard Up To Now?
Bruiser Kinard, formerly known for his outstanding football career, has transitioned into various roles in the sports world. His contributions continue to be invaluable even off the field.
Is Bruiser Kinard Still Involved In Football?
Bruiser Kinard is no longer involved in active coaching or playing football. After his time as an athletic director and university athletic administrator, he has taken a step back from day-to-day football activities.
Situated in Jackson, Mississippi, Kinard has chosen to focus on other interests. During his prime, he was a respected figure among his peers and even acknowledged by public figures like Richard Nixon.
Today, Kinard enjoys his retirement and continues to be recognized for his legacy in the game.
Does Bruiser Kinard Do Private Speaking Engagements?
Bruiser Kinard occasionally takes part in private speaking engagements. His sessions are often packed with anecdotes from his career, including his time as an athletic director.
Kinard’s talks usually cover his experiences in Jackson and Fleet City, and even touch upon his time working with university sports programs.
These engagements offer fans an opportunity to hear firsthand insights. While not frequently advertised, those interested often keep an eye out through community bulletins or specialized sports forums.
Does Bruiser Kinard Have A Podcast?
Bruiser Kinard has not ventured into the world of podcasting. Though he has valuable insights and stories from his football career, he has chosen other platforms to share his wisdom.
Interested fans might look for interviews or guest appearances rather than a dedicated podcast. His focus remains on selective public speaking and written columns rather than weekly or monthly audio content.
This allows him to maintain his privacy while still engaging with his followers.
Has Bruiser Kinard Gone Into Broadcasting?
Kinard has not pursued a career in broadcasting either. Even though broadcasting would have provided another avenue to share his football knowledge, he opted to utilize his skills elsewhere.
During his tenure as a director and athletic administrator, he impacted various facets of sports management in Jackson and San Francisco.
Post-retirement, Kinard has chosen to enjoy a quieter life away from the constant spotlight that broadcasting would entail.
What Is Bruiser Kinard Net Worth?
Frank “Bruiser” Kinard’s net worth is not well-documented, given the era he played in. Football players in the early to mid-20th century did not earn the same kind of salaries seen today.
Kinard started his career in 1938, a time when the average professional football salary was modest. Despite being a Hall of Famer, his earnings were likely far less than those of today’s stars.
Football players like Bruiser often held other jobs during the offseasons. Kinard served as a coach and university athletic administrator after his playing days. These roles supplemented his income but were not highly lucrative.
Net worth figures for athletes like Kinard are hard to pinpoint because financial records from that period are scarce. Kinard’s value to football, however, remains priceless.
More about his career can be found on his Pro Football Hall of Fame page.