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Cornell Green, legendary Cowboys defensive back, dead at 86

Across his 13 seasons, he did not miss a game, starting 167 of 168 contests.

Published: Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at 10:23 PM
Cornell Green, legendary Cowboys defensive back, dead at 86
Key Things to Know
  • Former Dallas Cowboys defensive back Cornell Green has passed away at age 86.
  • Green played 13 seasons for the Cowboys from 1962 to 1974, winning Super Bowl VI.
  • He was a five-time Pro Bowler and never missed a game throughout his entire NFL career.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Dallas Cowboys defensive back Cornell Green has passed away at the age of 86, the team announced on Wednesday. A five-time Pro Bowler and key figure in Dallas' famed "Doomsday Defense," Green played his entire 13-year NFL career with the franchise from 1962 to 1974. He won Super Bowl VI with the Cowboys in 1972 and remarkably never missed a single game during his professional tenure.

Green never played college football, having excelled as an All-American basketball player at Utah State before signing with the Cowboys. He started 167 of 168 career contests, tallying 34 career interceptions. Following his retirement, Green transitioned to NFL scouting for the Cowboys and Denver Broncos, winning AFC Scout of the Year in 2010.

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