Former Dallas Cowboys cornerback and safety Cornell Green died Wednesday at age 86 after a long struggle with dementia, according to a October 22 report. Green, who was a two-time All-American basketball player at Utah State, became one of the most unlikely success stories in NFL history.
Green joined the Cowboys in 1962 after accepting a free agent tryout from talent executive Gil Brandt, motivated by a $1,000 bonus. Before his professional football career, he was named a fifth-round draft pick by the Chicago Zephyrs, a franchise now known as the Washington Wizards. Green's success as a basketball player and athlete led to the signing of other non-traditional players by the Cowboys, including Bob Hayes, Pete Gent, and Toni Fritsch.
During his 13-year career, Green remarkably never missed a game. He earned three Pro Bowl selections as a cornerback and two additional Pro Bowls after being shifted to strong safety in 1970. His 34 career interceptions are tied for fifth-most in Cowboys history.
Former NFL lineman and Cowboys executive John Wooten stated that Green's unique impact on the league made him a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. While Green is not currently a member of the Hall of Fame or the Cowboys' Ring of Honor, the organization released a statement Wednesday describing him as a trailblazer and noting his inclusion on the 25th Anniversary Cowboys Team.
Green's athletic legacy was rooted in a family of high achievers; his brother Pumpsie was the first African-American to play for the Boston Red Sox, and his brother Credell was part of the first recruiting class of Black football players at the University of Washington. Following his playing career, Green worked in player personnel for 27 years with the Denver Broncos.
A memorial service for Green will be held in Dallas in January to celebrate his life. His sons, Randy and Ronney, and his five grandchildren are expected to attend.
