Cornell Green (defensive back)
[6] In 1993, Green was inducted into the inaugural class of the Utah State University Intercollegiate Athletics Hall Of Fame.On a tip from Utah State basketball coach LaDell Anderson, the Cowboys discovered and signed the multi-talented younger brother of then Red Sox infielder Pumpsie Green for $1,000.In another version, it was Green that approached Cowboys executive Gil Brandt at a Utah State football game and asked for a chance.[1] Green became a big-time contributor to Tom Landry’s intricate defensive schemes and a feared defender during his career.Said Gil Brandt: "I mean, if Cornell had any kind of hands, he would’ve had three times as many interceptions as he got ... and the guy played basketball in college."Cowboys coach Tom Landry said of Green, "He had the athletic skills from basketball to become a fine defensive back.[18] In 2020, Green was ranked number 23 on the list of the 60 greatest Cowboys players, chosen as part of the team's celebrating its 60th anniversary.[23][24] He is the brother of Pumpsie Green, the first African American player to play for the Boston Red Sox, the last Major League Baseball team to integrate.