Cornell Green, Super Bowl-Winning Cowboys Defensive Back, Dies at 86
The Dallas Cowboys are mourning the loss of Cornell Green, a trailblazing defensive back who was a key part of the team's iconic Doomsday Defense and helped them win Super Bowl VI.
Cornell Green, a former Dallas Cowboys defensive back and Super Bowl champion, has died at the age of 86. The cause of death was not immediately announced.
Green played his entire 13-season NFL career with the Cowboys, from 1962 to 1974, never missing a game. He was a member of the famed Doomsday Defense and contributed to the team's victory in Super Bowl VI in January 1972.
Remarkably, Green had no significant college football experience, having played only one season in high school. Despite this, he was drafted by the Chicago Zephyrs of the NBA in 1962. In the same year, he attended the Cowboys' training camp and earned a spot on the roster, eventually becoming a multi-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro selection.
The Dallas Cowboys released a statement remembering Green as "a true trailblazer" and "one of the best and most dependable teammates to ever wear the star." The team extended its condolences to his family.
After retiring from playing in 1974, Green remained with the Cowboys as a scout before moving to the Denver Broncos, where he was recognized as AFC Scout of the Year in 2010.
Green's passing comes shortly after the news of another former NFL player's death. Allen Bailey, a defensive end who played eight seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, died earlier this week at the age of 37. His brother confirmed Bailey's death to TMZ, stating he was found at his Florida home and reportedly died of natural causes.