The Best Pro Football Players in Mississippi History, Pt. 4: O-Line Men

Frank “Bruiser” Kinard: Brooklyn Dodgers via Ole Miss Rebels

Frank Kinard had the best nickname ever for an offensive line man in “Bruiser” while playing for the Rebels from 1935-37. Playing on Ole Miss’s first bowl team in 1936, a loss to Catholic University in the Orange Bowl in Miami, Kinard was named All-American.

Kinard was the first-ever All-American from Ole Miss in 1936 and 1937 and captain in 1937 as well. Moreover, he was first-team All-SEC in 1936-37 as well. After his college career, Kinard was invited to play in the 1938 Chicago College All-Star Game.

The now-defunct Brooklyn Dodgers selected Kinard in the third round with the 18th pick of the 1938 draft.

In his nine-year pro football career with the Dodgers and the New York Yankees, Kinard was named to the Pro Bowl five times (1939-42) and first-team All-Pro four times (1940 and 1943-46).

Kinard was named to the Ole Miss Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986; he was a charter member of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1961; and he was elected to the NFL Hall of Fame in 1971.

Kinard is considered on the greatest players in Ole Miss History alongside Charley Conerly and Archie Manning.

Jackie Slater: Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams via Jackson State Tigers

Jackie Slater played at Jackson State with the late great Walter Payton. Slater gained notoriety for his blocking while with the Tigers from 1973-75 and was named All-SWAC each season as well.

Slater was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1976 in the third round with the 76th pick.

While being the first player in NFL history to play for 20 years with one team, Slater was able to play through multiple eras in Rams history.

When he first came into the league, Slater was teammates with Merlin Olsen and Jack Youngblood. The Rams’ Slater was also teammates with Jerome Bettis and Issac Bruce later in his career.

During his time in the NFL, Slater blocked for seven 1,000 yard rushers, played in 259 games, the most ever for an offensive lineman at the time, and started 211 games.

Slater was named to Pro Bowl seven times (1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, and 1990), was first-team All-Pro three times (1987, 1988, and 1989), and NFC Lineman of the Year four times (1983, 1986, 1987, and 1989).

After his great pro football career, Slater was elected to the NFL Hall of Fame in 2001. Slater was added to the Rams Ring of Fame and had his number 78 retired.

Mississippi has produced three Hall of Fame offensive linemen so far out of the college ranks. One could argue Jackie Slater is the best to ever dig down in the trenches with the rest of the hogs. With the talent from Mississippi, one could make the case that the best offensive line ever assembled would be players from the Magnolia State.

Next in this series are the best Mississippi tight ends and defensive linemen.

To Read Part Three: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/211472-the-best-pro-football-players-in-mississippi-history-pt-3-wide-outs

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