Hunter Renfrow, the NFL wide receiver known for his toughness and versatility as a slot receiver, has made a name for himself with unforgettable moments on the field.
From catching the game-winning touchdown in the 2016 College Football National Championship as a Clemson walk-on to earning the Burlsworth Trophy as the nation’s top walk-on and achieving a Pro Bowl season in 2021 with a career-high 103 receptions for the Las Vegas Raiders, Hunter’s journey is inspiring.
However, behind his success lies a tight-knit, sports-loving family from South Carolina, including his brothers, who played a significant role in shaping him.
Hunter Renfrow was born and raised in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where Sports were a way of Life
His father, Tim Renfrow, was a legendary figure at Socastee High School, where he coached baseball and football for 32 years.
Tim’s influence created a competitive environment for his four sons: Ayres, Jordan, Hunter, and Cole.
All four boys played varsity football at Socastee High School, and each participated in other sports, including baseball, basketball, and soccer.
The Renfrow household was a battleground of friendly rivalry, where the brothers pushed each other to be better.
Hunter often credits his older brothers, Ayres and Jordan, for sparking his competitive fire.
As a kid, Hunter wanted to play baseball with them and their friends, but they set a high bar: he couldn’t join the team until he hit a home run.
Hunter once said.
“That’s how we battled, My mom would never let us get in fights, so if we were going to rough up the other one, we had to do it in sports. Whether it was on the basketball court, you get mad at them, put your shoulder into them, and finish. That’s just how we did things.
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This tough-love approach helped Hunter develop the grit that would later define his football career.
He added-:
“It definitely made me better because I wanted to play with them, You realize you can play with them, so you go out there and make the most of your opportunities.”
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Hunter’s younger brother, Cole Renfrow, also followed the family’s football tradition.
Like Hunter, Cole attended Socastee High School, where he lettered in football before graduating in 2016.
He then joined Clemson University as a freshman tight end in 2017, the same year Hunter was a senior wide receiver on the Tigers’ football team.
The brothers dreamed of playing together on the same college field, but fate had other plans. In September 2017, Cole tore his ACL, sidelining him for the rest of the season.
This injury prevented the brothers from sharing the field, a missed opportunity that still stings for both.
Cole’s college football career was limited. Between 2017 and 2018, he appeared in just two games, playing a total of four snaps: two against Louisville in 2018 and two against Furman in 2017.
He didn’t record any receptions or touchdowns, but his time at Clemson wasn’t just about football.
Cole graduated in 2021 from Clemson’s Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship.
Today, he’s carving his own path off the field. Since 2021, Cole has worked as a sales representative at SYNNEX, a technology distributor.
In 2022, he became a co-owner of Blink Lighting, a company specializing in innovative lighting solutions.
Hunter’s oldest brother, Ayres Renfrow, also grew up immersed in the family’s athletic culture.
Like his brothers, Ayres played varsity football at Socastee High School, where he honed his competitive spirit.
After high school, he attended Wofford College, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2013, with a specialization in Finance and Financial Management Services.
Ayres brought his skills to the business world, and since 2021, he has been the owner of 323 Fulfillment.
This company specializes in logistics and order fulfillment services (specific details about the company’s operations are limited).
Ayres’ drive and leadership reflect the same determination that Hunter brings to the football field.
Jordan Renfrow, Hunter’s other older brother, also left his mark on the family’s athletic legacy at Socastee High School before pursuing a different path.
He attended Clemson University, graduating in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics.
Jordan’s career took him into the world of engineering and technology, and since 2021, he has served as the Director of Automation Systems at SYMTECH, a company specializing in automation solutions.
His role likely involves overseeing innovative systems that streamline industrial processes, showcasing the same problem-solving mindset that Hunter uses to outsmart defenders on the football field.
The Renfrow Brothers’ Influence on Hunter’s Career
The competitive spirit fostered by Ayres, Jordan, and Cole played a huge role in Hunter’s development as an athlete.
Growing up, the brothers’ backyard battles and sports challenges taught Hunter how to compete against bigger, stronger opponents, a skill that served him well as a 5’10”, 185-pound walk-on at Clemson.
His ability to outwork and outsmart opponents earned him a scholarship, a national championship, and eventually a spot in the NFL.
Even though Cole’s injury prevented them from playing together at Clemson, the brothers’ shared love for sports and competition remains a cornerstone of their bond.
Hunter’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. After a stellar 2021 Pro Bowl season with the Raiders, he faced a one-year absence from the NFL.
In April 2025, he signed with the Carolina Panthers, a homecoming for the South Carolina native.
However, on August 26, 2025, the Panthers released him, leaving his next move uncertain.
Despite this setback, Hunter’s resilience forged through years of competing with his brothers suggests he’ll keep fighting for his place in the league.
The Renfrow brothers are more than just athletes; they’re a family of driven individuals making their mark in different fields.
Ayres is thriving as a business owner, Jordan is innovating in automation systems, and Cole is building a career in sales and entrepreneurship.
Meanwhile, Hunter continues to inspire as a scrappy, determined NFL player who proves that heart and hustle can overcome any obstacle.
Their story is evidence of the power of family, competition, and the lessons learned on the fields and courts of Myrtle Beach.
Whether it’s hitting a home run to earn a spot on a baseball team or catching a game-winning touchdown in a national championship, the Renfrow brothers show that success comes from hard work, determination, and a little sibling rivalry.
As Hunter heads to the next chapter of his career, he carries the support and influence of his brothers: Ayres, Jordan, and Cole every step of the way.
