Cowboys Mourn Death Of Legend Cornell Green As An NFL 'Trailblazer'

One of the most iconic players in Dallas Cowboys history, star defensive back Cornell Green, passed away on Wednesday.

He was 86.

The Cowboys reflected Green's passing by issuing a statement.

"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 earned five Pro Bowl invites during a stellar career from 1962 through 1974 as a key member of the famed Doomsday Defense, playing both cornerback and safety.

.He also was a member of the Cowboys' 1971 Super Bowl champions.

Basketball was the sport that Green starred in and he was a college standout for Utah State from 1959 through 1962. But Cowboys superscout Gil Brandt saw the athletic gifts - Green's brother was Pumpsie Green, the first Black player for the Boston Red Sox - the last Major League team to integrate.

Green was a fifth-round selection (35th overall) by the Chicago Zephyrs in the 1962 NBA Draft, but he accepted $1,000 after he tried out and impressed the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent.

Green, who went on to become a scout for Dallas, was named to the Cowboys' 60th anniversary team after earlier having also was named to Dallas' 25th anniversary team.