Cornell Green, a five-time Pro Bowl and Super Bowl-winning Cowboys defensive back, died Wednesday, the team announced.
He was 86.
No cause of death was provided.
Green spent his entire 13-year career (1962-74) in Dallas, where he was part of the famed “Doomsday Defense” that led the team to prominence. The two-time All-Pro First Team member appeared in two Super Bowls, winning one in 1972.
“We are sad to share news of the passing of Cowboys Legend Cornell Green this morning,” the Cowboys said in a statement. Cornell was a true trailblazer having never played football in college, yet becoming a multi-time Pro Bowler, All Pro and NFL Super Bowl Champion with the Cowboys playing defensive back from 1962 to 1974. He was a member of the 25th Anniversary Cowboys Team as well. Cornell remarkably never missed a game in 13 seasons, becoming one of the best and most dependable teammates to ever wear the star. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Green played just one season of high school football and did not play college football, but was invited to the Cowboys’ training camp in 1962, after which he was offered a spot on the team.
He accepted the offer despite being drafted by the NBA’s Chicago Zephyrs earlier that year after he was a two-time All-American basketball player for Utah State, later being enshrined in the school’s Hall of Fame.
In his 13 seasons, Green did not miss a game, starting 167 of 168 contests. He led the Cowboys in interceptions four times and finished with 34 career interceptions, which ties him for fifth in team history.
Green played in two NFL Championship Games and Super Bowls V and VI, with the Cowboys defeating the Dolphins 24-3 in the latter.
Green retired after the 1974 season and later became a scout for the Cowboys and Broncos, earning AFC Scout of the Year honors in 2010.
For his efforts as a player, he was named to the Cowboys 25th Anniversary Team in 1984.
