Broncos Mourn Death of Scout Who Helped Build Three Super Bowl Champions

The Denver Broncos are mourning the death of Cornell Green, a longtime scout who helped build the franchise's three Super Bowl-winning teams.

Green died Wednesday at age 86. His remarkable NFL career spanned 46 years as a player and talent evaluator.

The Broncos announced his death Wednesday, recognizing his contributions to one of the most successful periods in franchise history.

Green joined Denver in 1987, reuniting with former Dallas Cowboys teammate and Broncos head coach Dan Reeves.

He spent the next 28 years in the organization's personnel department before retiring in May 2015.

During that period, Denver won 11 division titles, six AFC championships and three Super Bowls, including consecutive championships following the 1997 and 1998 seasons.

Green's work behind the scenes earned considerable respect throughout the organization.

"He has had his stamp on just about everybody we have brought in here," former Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist said in 2005.

Sundquist also credited Green's extensive scouting relationships and experience with helping Denver identify talent.

In 2010, the Fritz Pollard Alliance named Green AFC Scout of the Year.

His death comes just days after the passing of former Broncos general manager John Beake, another influential figure in Denver's championship history.

Green's football career was unusual from the beginning.

He never played college football, instead starring as a basketball player at Utah State, where he earned All-American honors in 1961 and 1962.

The 6-foot-4 forward still holds the school's career rebounding record and was selected by the Chicago Zephyrs in the fifth round of the 1962 NBA Draft.

However, Cowboys personnel executive Gil Brandt recognized Green's athletic potential and invited him to Dallas' training camp.

Green made the roster and developed into one of the NFL's top defensive backs.

He earned five Pro Bowl selections, intercepted 34 passes and helped Dallas win its first Super Bowl following the 1971 season.

Green also never missed a regular-season game during his 13-year playing career.

After retiring, he moved into scouting, eventually beginning the long tenure in Denver that would define the second half of his NFL career.

His passing marks another loss for the Broncos' championship-era personnel department, whose work helped establish the franchise among the NFL's most successful organizations.