
Cornell Green, Former Cowboys Defensive Back, Passes Away at 86
Cornell Green, a former defensive back for the Dallas Cowboys, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86. The Cowboys organization confirmed his death.
Green was originally an accomplished basketball player in California, earning all-star recognition before attending Utah State, where he achieved All-America honors in 1961 and 1962. He holds the school record for career rebounds with 1,067 and ranks sixth in scoring with 1,890 points.
After being drafted by the Chicago Zephyrs in 1962, Green opted to join the Cowboys for training camp despite having only one year of football experience. He played 13 seasons with the Cowboys, starting 167 of 168 games, and was a key player in their defense, leading the team in interceptions multiple times. Green participated in two NFL Championship Games and Super Bowl V, ultimately contributing to the Cowboys' victory in Super Bowl VI. Following his retirement in 1974, he transitioned to scouting, earning NFL Scout of the Year honors in 2010.
