Cowboys Defensive Legend Cornell Green Dies at 86

WHO:

denverbroncos.com - Green was born in Oklahoma City.

denverbroncos.com - Green was a five-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro, according to the Broncos.

denverbroncos.com - Green joined the Broncos in 1987 under head coach Dan Reeves, his former Cowboys teammate; former Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist said Green had “his stamp on just about everybody” the team brought in and that Green’s scouting relationships and knowledge could not be replaced.

NY Post - Cornell Green, a legendary Dallas Cowboys defensive back, died at age 86.

Daily Mail Sports - The Dallas Cowboys paid tribute to Green, describing him as a “true NFL trailblazer.”

dallascowboys.com - Green was part of the first generation of the Cowboys’ Doomsday Defense and is considered by many one of the greatest defensive backs in franchise history.

dallascowboys.com - Green grew up playing basketball in California; he was named all-state at El Cerrito High School and Contra Costa College, then earned All-American honors at Utah State in 1961 and 1962.

dallascowboys.com - Cowboys player personnel director Gil Brandt found Green. Randy White said many players Brandt found were basketball players who became great football players.

dallascowboys.com - Calvin Hill praised Green’s coverage of Miami receiver Paul Warfield, calling Warfield “the greatest receiver I’ve ever seen.” Charlie Waters said Green was “so well respected by all the defensive guys.”

WHAT:

denverbroncos.com - The Broncos said Green helped shape one of the most successful stretches in franchise history.

denverbroncos.com - Green was named AFC Scout of the Year by the Fritz Pollard Alliance.

denverbroncos.com - Green helped Utah State reach the NCAA Tournament and win a first-round game in his final season.

denverbroncos.com - Green worked for the Broncos for 28 years and spent 46 years in the NFL before retiring in May of 2015.

denverbroncos.com - During the Broncos’ 1987–2015 stretch, the team won more than 60 percent of its games, 11 division titles, six AFC Championships and three Super Bowls.

denverbroncos.com - Green was named to the Cowboys’ 25th Anniversary Team in 1985, inducted into Utah State’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 1993, and helped Utah State reach the NCAA Tournament and win a first-round game in his final season.

denverbroncos.com - Green was a 6-foot-4 Utah State forward, earned all-conference honors three times and was selected in the fifth round of the 1962 NBA Draft.

denverbroncos.com - Green said, “Nothing was given to me. I worked for everything I got. I feel lucky.”

NY Post - Green played 13 seasons for the Cowboys, did not miss a game, and started 167 of 168 contests.

Daily Mail Sports - Green was drafted by the NBA’s Chicago Zephyrs and invited to Cowboys training camp in the same year; he earned a place on the team.

dallascowboys.com - Green played cornerback for his first eight seasons, led Dallas in interceptions four times, made three Pro Bowls, and earned two first-team All-Pro honors. After moving to safety, he was named a Pro Bowler again twice.

dallascowboys.com - Green played in two NFL Championship Games and Super Bowl V, then helped Dallas beat Miami 24–3 in Super Bowl VI.

dallascowboys.com - Green retired after the 1974 season. He remained tied for fifth in Cowboys records with 34 interceptions, later worked as a Dallas scout and for the Denver Broncos, and received the AFC Scout of the Year Award in 2010.

dallascowboys.com - Green’s Utah State career included 1,067 rebounds, still the school record, and 1,890 points, the sixth-highest total in school history.

WHERE:

dallascowboys.com - Green played for the Dallas Cowboys and later worked as a scout for the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos.

WHEN:

dallascowboys.com - Green was drafted by the Chicago Zephyrs and invited to Cowboys training camp in 1962.

dallascowboys.com - Green earned All-American honors in 1961 and 1962, moved to safety in 1970, and was named a Pro Bowler in 1971 and 1972.

dallascowboys.com - Green received the AFC Scout of the Year Award in 2010.

WHY:

denverbroncos.com - Broncos head coach Dan Reeves brought Green to Denver after their time as Cowboys teammates.

dallascowboys.com - Brandt said the Cowboys deliberately sought players with speed, bringing in fast players who could contribute on offense or defense.

HOW:

dallascowboys.com - Green joined the Cowboys after accepting an invitation to training camp, despite having played only one season of football, during his junior year of high school.

dallascowboys.com - Green initially planned to join the NBA after being drafted by the Chicago Zephyrs, but instead tried football with the Cowboys.

Cornell Green, a trailblazing Dallas Cowboys defensive back who later became a respected scout, has died at 86. A California basketball standout, Green earned All-American honors at Utah State before being drafted by the NBA’s Chicago Zephyrs in 1962. He chose instead to try football, despite having played only one season, and made the Cowboys after attending training camp. Green spent 13 seasons in Dallas, never missing a game, and started 167 of 168 contests. He played cornerback and safety, made five Pro Bowls and four All-Pro teams, and helped the Cowboys defeat Miami 24 to 3 in Super Bowl VI. After retiring, he scouted for Dallas and spent 28 years with Denver, helping shape a highly successful stretch for the Broncos. Green worked 46 years in the NFL and was named AFC Scout of the Year in 2010. The Cowboys called him a true NFL trailblazer.