 Considered too small for college football at just 5'9" and 140 pounds, he walked on to the football team at the University of Louisville, earning a scholarship spot for his final three years.As a junior in 1981, he led the nation in average yards per kickoff return (30.4) and led his team in punt returns.After graduation in 1982, Minnifield joined the Chicago Blitz (later the Arizona Wranglers) of the USFL.