Cornell Green, a defensive back who never missed a game in his 13 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and was part of their original Doomsday Defense, has died at age 86, the NFL team said Wednesday. The team provided no details on the cause of his death.
Green did not play football in college. He was drafted by the NBA in 1962 before being invited to the Cowboys' training camp that year. He made the Dallas roster and played in all 182 regular-season games from 1962 to 1974, plus 15 playoff games. He was part of the Cowboys' first Super Bowl championship during the 1971 season and was later selected to the team's 25th anniversary team.
"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," the Cowboys said in a social media post. "Cornell remarkably never missed a game in 13 seasons, becoming one of the best and most dependable teammates to ever wear the star."
Green was selected to five Pro Bowls and was a first-team All-Pro selection by The Associated Press in 1966 and 1967. His 34 career interceptions are tied for fifth-most in team history. After retiring as a player, he spent time as a scout for the Cowboys and later the Denver Broncos.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing