Former Cowboys DB, Broncos scout Cornell Green dies at 86

Posted by Admin October 21, 2026 NFL

The Cowboys announced that former defensive back Cornell Green died Wednesday. He was 86.

Green grew up in California as an elite basketball player, earning all-start honors. He went to Utah State, where he earned All-America honors in 1961 and ’62. His 1,067 rebounds still stand as the school’s career record, and he is Utah State’s sixth-leading scorer with 1,890 points.

He had planned to join the NBA after the Chicago Zephyrs drafted him in 1962, but the Cowboys offered Green an invite to training camp.

Despite only one year of football experience — his junior year of high school — Green made the Cowboys’ roster.

Green never missed a game over the next 13 seasons, starting 167 of 168 games after his rookie season.

He played cornerback his first eight seasons. Green led the Cowboys in interceptions four times, earned three Pro Bowl invites and garnered two first-team All-Pro honors.

In 1970, Green moved to safety, where he was named a Pro Bowler again in 1971 and ’72.

He played in two NFL Championship Games and Super Bowl V before helping the Cowboys win the Lombardi Trophy with a 24-3 victory over the Dolphins in Super Bowl VI.

Green retired after the 1974 season and went into scouting. He worked for the Cowboys and Broncos, earning NFL Scout of the Year in 2010.

Green’s 34 career interceptions are tied for fifth in the team record book.