Cornell Green, a former Dallas Cowboys defensive back and member of the original Doomsday Defense, died at age 86 on October 21, 2026, according to a report published by the Dallas Cowboys.
Green is considered by many to be one of the greatest defensive backs in the history of the franchise and a candidate for the team's Ring of Honor.
Green's professional football career began after an unconventional path. While he had planned to join the NBA following being drafted by the Chicago Zephyrs in 1962, he instead accepted an invitation to the Cowboys' training camp that same year. Despite having played only one season of football during his junior year of high school, he earned a spot on the roster.
During his 13 seasons with the Cowboys, Green never missed a game. He played cornerback for his first eight years, leading the team in interceptions four times and earning two first-team All-Pro honors and three Pro Bowl invites. In 1970, he transitioned to safety, earning Pro Bowl honors again in 1971 and 1972. He played in two NFL Championship Games and Super Bowl V before winning a Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl VI with a 24-3 victory over the Dolphins.
Before his professional football career, Green was a standout basketball player in California. He was named all-state at El Cerrito High School and for Contra Costa College. He later transferred to Utah State, where he earned All-American honors in 1961 and 1962. He remains the school's sixth leading scorer with 1,890 points and holds the Aggies' career rebounding record with 1,067 rebounds.
Green retired following the 1974 season and remains tied for fifth in the Cowboys' record books with 34 interceptions. Following his playing career, he served as a scout for Dallas and later worked with the Denver Broncos, where he received the AFC Scout of the Year Award in 2010.
Former Cowboys player Calvin Hill once noted that Green's ability to shut out wide receiver Paul Warfield was a remarkable feat. Additionally, Charlie Waters stated in the documentary Doomsday II that Green left a legacy and was highly respected by fellow defensive players.
