Cornell Green, a five-time Pro Bowl defensive back who spent his entire NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, died Wednesday, October 21 at age 86.

The team announced his passing but did not specify a cause. Reporting from the Dallas Morning News indicated Green had been dealing with dementia for an extended period.

Green played 13 seasons from 1962 through 1974 and never missed a regular-season game. He appeared in all 182 contests during an era when the schedule consisted of 14 games, plus 15 playoff games.

He joined the Cowboys after a standout basketball career at Utah State, where he never played college football. Green earned All-American honors twice and remains the school’s career leader in rebounds with 1,067 while ranking sixth in points with 1,890.

Drafted by the Chicago Zephyrs in the 1962 NBA draft, he instead accepted a training-camp invitation from Dallas. Listed at 6-foot-3, he quickly adapted to the secondary despite limited prior football experience beyond high school.

Green began at cornerback and later shifted to safety as the Cowboys built their early Doomsday Defense under coach Tom Landry. He earned Pro Bowl selections three times as a cornerback and twice as a safety.

He recorded 34 interceptions for 552 yards, including two returned for touchdowns, along with seven fumble recoveries. Those interception totals still rank tied for fifth in franchise history.

Green helped Dallas win Super Bowl VI with a 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Jan. 16, 1972, the franchise’s first championship in the Super Bowl era. He also contributed to multiple NFL championship game appearances during the team’s rise.

Durability defined his playing days. He started the vast majority of games after his rookie season and maintained consistent availability across more than a decade.

The Cowboys named him to their 25th Anniversary Team, and he was inducted into the Utah State Athletics Hall of Fame. After retiring as a player, Green moved into scouting.

He worked for the Denver Broncos for roughly 28 years, from 1987 into 2015, and received AFC Scout of the Year honors in 2010. He had previously assisted the Cowboys in personnel roles.

“We are sad to share news of the passing of Cowboys Legend Cornell Green this morning,” the team said. “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 with the Cowboys playing defensive back from 1962 to 1974. He was a member of the 25th Anniversary Cowboys Team as well. Cornell remarkably never missed a game in 13 seasons, becoming one of the best and most dependable teammates to ever wear the star. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Green was born in Oklahoma City and raised in California. He is survived by two sons and several grandchildren; his wife of more than 60 years died in 2019.

His path from All-American basketball player to ironman defensive back remains one of the more unusual success stories in Cowboys history.