Frank Eidom was one of the best athletes to have played football at Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas. He played both offensively and defensively during the 1949 and 1950 varsity seasons and accumulated 2,601 yards rushing, scored 45 touchdowns, and completed 54 passes in 81 attempts for 1,216 yards and 14 touchdowns.
 
Eidom was named All-District, All-State, and High School All-American in both his junior and senior seasons. He was also named Outstanding Amateur Athlete of the State of Texas, winning out over not only other high school athletes but college as well. In 1951, Eidom entered Southern Methodist University and led the freshman squad to an undefeated season. In his varsity seasons, his leadership in victories against such rivals as Rice and Arkansas again put him in the national spotlight. He was picked Back of the Week by the Associated Press, earned All-Southwest Conference honors, and was chosen All-American. He was invited to play in three post-season games and played in the East-West Shrine Game, the Senior Bowl, and the College All-Stars against the professional champion Cleveland Browns.
 
In 1954, Eidom was the first-round draft choice of the Detroit Lions but had to fulfill his military obligations first. He played ball for the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. In 1955, he was involved in a fatal automobile accident near Gonzales, Texas. He is a member of the Museum of the Gulf Coast, Sports Hall of Fame.