Terry Kinard, a former NFL star and current coach of the Manning Junior High School football team, was recently honored by the New York Giants as one of their Top 100 Players of All Time. The recognition, which celebrated the Giants’ 100-year anniversary, highlighted Kinard’s illustrious professional football career, during which he helped the team secure a Super Bowl victory and cemented his legacy as a defensive powerhouse.
Kinard, born Alfred Terance Kinard on November 24, 1959, in Bitburg, West Germany, began his athletic career as a standout at Sumter High School in South Carolina. After graduating in 1978, he went on to play college football at Clemson University. Kinard’s time at Clemson was marked by impressive achievements, including being named a two-time consensus All-American and earning the title of CBS National Defensive Player of the Year in 1982. With 17 interceptions and 294 tackles, Kinard remains Clemson’s all-time leader in interceptions and tackles by a defensive back.
Selected by the New York Giants in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft, Kinard quickly became an integral part of the team’s defense. Over his eight-year career in the NFL, he played 121 games, started in 115, made 31 interceptions, and recovered seven fumbles. After seven seasons with the Giants, Kinard spent his final season with the Houston Oilers in 1990.
During his time with the Giants, Kinard contributed to their 1986 Super Bowl win, a career highlight that has remained a cherished memory. His connection with the team remains strong, as evidenced by his recent inclusion in the franchise’s Top 100 Players of All Time.
Speaking about the honor, Kinard said, “I was shocked, honestly. There were a lot of great players during my time with the Giants, and I always thought I had a solid career, but this was truly a surprise. It’s such an honor to be included in that list.”
In celebration of the Giants’ 100th season, an independent committee of award-winning journalists, NFL and Pro Football Hall of Fame executives, and superfans ranked the Giants’ Top 100 Players, presented by Bud Light. Kinard was notified of the honor several months before it was made public, but he was sworn to secrecy until the official announcement. “They called me about two or three months before the event and told me I had made the list. It was hard not to tell anyone, but I kept it quiet until they made it official.”
The celebration event was held in New York, where Kinard and other players were honored over a special weekend. The Giants organization pulled out all the stops for the occasion, hosting the top players at their stadium for a fan festival and a Giants game against the Minnesota Vikings.
“It was incredible,” Kinard said of the weekend. “They flew us in, and we got to be part of a huge fan festival. Over 60,000 fans were there, and they brought us out one by one. There was a big light show, and then we got to go to the game and be recognized at halftime. It was really special.”
Kinard also enjoyed reuniting with former teammates during the weekend. “Seeing the guys I played with was one of the best parts,” he said. “You don’t get the chance to catch up with everyone often, but events like this give us that opportunity. The Giants do a great job of keeping the Legends community connected.”
Though Kinard’s professional football days are behind him, his passion for the sport lives on. After owning a restaurant in Atlanta and working in vacation rentals, Kinard returned to South Carolina in 2012. He now spends his time coaching junior high football and working as a physical education teacher at local schools.
Reflecting on his coaching role, Kinard said, “Most of my players know I played in the NFL, but they don’t really know the full extent of my career. After this weekend, I think they have a better idea. I’m just glad to be in a position where I can pass on what I’ve learned and help these kids.”
With a storied career and lasting legacy, Kinard continues to inspire young athletes, showing them what dedication and hard work can achieve on and off the field.
