Cliff Frazier, a renowned and accomplished figure in the realms of sports and entertainment, burst forth into the world on November 23, 1952, in the lively metropolis of St. Louis, Missouri, a city that would have a profound impact on his formative years and subsequent pursuits.
Before Frazier's ascension to fame, he spent his formative years in Ballwin, Missouri, a picturesque and idyllic suburb of St. Louis, where he established himself as a prodigious football player during his high school tenure, ultimately culminating in the esteemed distinction of being dubbed a defensive prep star, a testament to his remarkable athleticism and exceptional skills on the gridiron.
Kevin Frazier's athletic abilities continued to reach new heights as he made the transition to Fort Scott Community College, where he excelled in the position of nose tackle, showcasing his exceptional skill and unwavering dedication, ultimately leading to his recognition as a junior college All-American defensive lineman in both 1972 and 1973, a testament to his remarkable talent and unshakeable commitment to his craft.
Frazier's remarkable football skills did not go unnoticed, and he soon found himself being heavily pursued by a prominent new UCLA coach, Dick Vermeil, who was determined to recruit him to play a crucial defensive position for the Bruins during the 1974-75 college seasons, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in Frazier's athletic career.
As a result of his exceptional play, Frazier was honored with a prestigious selection to the first-team defense for both the All-Pacific 8 and NCAA All-American teams in 1975, a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication to the sport.
Moreover, Frazier's outstanding leadership skills earned him the esteemed title of Tri-Captain of UCLA's Rose Bowl team in 1975, where he played a pivotal role in leading the underdog Bruins to a remarkable 23-10 upset victory over the previously unbeaten and top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes in the January 1, 1976 Rose Bowl, a momentous occasion that would forever be etched in the annals of college football history.
Frazier's remarkable exhibition of defensive prowess in the Rose Bowl game garnered widespread acknowledgement, as he singularly distinguished himself as the defensive player with the most outstanding individual performance, showcasing an impressive 13 solo tackles and one assist, a feat that none of his peers could match or surpass.
The UCLA Bruins football team, which he was a part of, boasted an impressive roster that was teeming with future NFL talent, featuring a plethora of skilled players who would go on to achieve great success at the professional level.
Noteworthy collegiate achievements and accomplishments earned Frazier a highly coveted and sought-after position as a second-round selection by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1976 NFL Draft, with the 41st overall pick, a remarkable feat that showcased his exceptional talent and potential.
Despite not taking to the field during the 1976 NFL season, Frazier made a significant and lasting impact in the 1977 season, participating in all 14 games for the Chiefs, a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and hard work.
Following the arrival of Dick Vermeil as the Philadelphia Eagles' head coach, a trade was orchestrated, with the Eagles surrendering their 5th round draft pick in the 1978 NFL draft to acquire Frazier, a strategic move that would ultimately benefit both teams.
Noteworthy, Frazier's inaugural foray into the realm of screen acting commenced with a pivotal role as "Monroe", a skilled lineman, in the iconic football film, "North Dallas Forty", a cinematic masterpiece that served as a testament to his nascent talent and marked the beginning of a remarkable and enduring acting career, replete with an impressive array of cinematic and television appearances, a testament to his versatility, dedication, and unwavering passion for the craft.
Frazier's remarkable career has been marked by a notable distinction, as he was formally recognized with the prestigious honor of being inducted into Fort Scott Community College's distinguished "Athletic Hall of Fame" in the year 1990.
It was the year 2006 when Frazier participated in the esteemed "Flashback Camp" at UCLA, a unique event that brought together a gathering of over 100 distinguished former UCLA players and coaches, featuring a plethora of individuals closely associated with the renowned 1976 Rose Bowl team. This exclusive gathering aimed to provide an unparalleled opportunity for UCLA Bruin fans to engage with these football legends, soliciting their profound knowledge and expertise in the realm of the sport. Throughout the event, attendees had the privilege of absorbing valuable insights and guidance from these esteemed individuals, who generously shared their extensive understanding of the intricacies and complexities of football.
