Cornell Green, Cowboys cornerback part of 'Doomsday Defense,' dies at 86 New York Times (Online) Saad Yousuf Cornell Green, a former Dallas Cowboys defensive back and part of the team's legendary “Doomsday Defense,” died Tuesday morning, the team announced . He was 86. Green is one of the most iconic players in the storied history of the Cowboys organization. His path to stardom was unique, as Green was an All-American basketball player in college but never played football. In 1960, he was named the Skyline Conference MVP as a sophomore forward for the Utah State Aggies and set numerous school records. His 324 free throws attempted and 227 free throws made in the 1961-62 season remain the most in a single season in Utah State basketball history, and his 1,067 rebounding total is still the Aggies' career record. His 403 rebounds in the 1959-60 season also remain a single-season school record. Utah State retired his No. 24, and the school inducted him into its Hall of Fame. The Chicago Zephyrs, now the Washington Wizards, selected Green in the fifth round of the 1962 NBA Draft. Instead, Green opted to use his athleticism in another sport. Green was an undrafted free agent with the Cowboys in 1962, just three years into the franchise's existence. Legendary coach Tom Landry had Green play cornerback, where Green instantly found success. He made the NFL All-Rookie team in 1962. Green became a starter for Dallas the next year and picked off seven passes, a career high he would later match in 1967. As a cornerback, Green was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1965, 1966 and 1967, and earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 1966 and 1967. He was a Second-Team All-Pro cornerback in 1968 and 1969. In 1970, Green converted from cornerback to safety. He later became a Pro Bowler at the new position in 1971 and 1972, helping the Cowboys win the Super Bowl in the 1971 season for his lone championship. In addition to his talent, which was an integral part of the Cowboys' “Doomsday Defense,” Green was known for his durability. In his 13 NFL seasons, he never missed a game, playing all 14 games from 1962 until his retirement after the 1974 season. “We are sad to share news of the passing of Cowboys Legend Cornell Green this morning,” the Cowboys said in a statement released Wednesday. “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.” Over his 182-game career, Green hauled in 34 interceptions and returned two of them for touchdowns. He also recovered seven fumbles, returning two for touchdowns as well.