Daily Dad News

NFL Hopeful Chase Minnifield Is Inspired By Former Pro Bowler Dad

February 27, 2012

Lexington Herald-Leader

As a cornerback for the University of Virginia, Chase Minnifield has been considered one of the better NFL prospects at the position. With the 2012 NFL Draft happening in April, Chase has been displaying his talents at the annual Scouting Combine this week in front of team representatives looking for the next star player. Chase’s father, Frank, also played the cornerback position as a four-time Pro Bowl player for the Cleveland Browns. Hoping to best Frank’s success, Chase Minnifield is motivated by his father’s football journey.

“It pushes me every day,” Chase Minnifield said Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. “Everybody tells me I won’t be, so it’s good fuel.” Chase addressed critics who say he won’t eclipse his father’s talents, and is facing the same critique about his slight build that Frank had to endure as a player. Nearly identical in size with his dad, Chase stands at 5-10 and 183 pounds. Chase recognizes his father’s abilities, but he appears eager to carve out his own lane – even if his dad’s former team selects him.

“That would be an awesome situation,” Chase said. “I wouldn’t be trying to carry on what my father [did]. I’d try to make my own thing. My goal is to do more than what my dad did. He never got to the Super Bowl with the Browns, so that would be something I would try to do.”

Frank Minnifield, alongside fellow star Browns cornerback Hanford Dixon, formed the one of the best secondary tandems in the NFL. Both men are credited with naming the “Dawg Pound” section in Cleveland’s old Municipal Stadium.

However, it isn’t all football competition with Chase, as it is apparent he looks up to his father.

“My dad is what I would call a true rags-to-riches story,” Chase said. “From what he’s doing now from where he came from, he’s a true inspiration. Nothing was given to him.”

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