Duford was born on June 11, 1898 in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Duford attended Niagra High School and Marquette University, where he played football, baseball, and basketball. Duford lettered in basketball from 1921 to 1923. He graduated in 1924. After college, he played professional football in the NFL for one season with the Green Bay Packers. He saw action in three games in 1924 as a halfback. Duford died at his Missouri home in 1981 of a heart ailment.