Cornell Green, former Dallas Cowboys defensive back, dies at 86

Former Dallas Cowboys defensive back and scout Cornell Green has died at the age of 86, according to an announcement by the team. No cause of death was provided.

Green had a distinguished 13-season career with the Cowboys from 1962 to 1974, during which he was a key member of the Doomsday Defense. A multi-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro, Green appeared in two Super Bowls and won Super Bowl VI. Notably, Green transitioned to the NFL after a highly successful collegiate basketball career at Utah State, where he was a two-time All-American and remains the school’s all-time leader in rebounds.

Despite having minimal football experience prior to joining the Cowboys' training camp, Green became one of the team’s most dependable players, starting 167 of 168 games. He finished his career with 34 interceptions, tying him for fifth in franchise history. Following his playing career, Green worked as an NFL scout for both the Cowboys and the Denver Broncos, earning NFL Scout of the Year honors in 2010.