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Darrell Green

Career Highlights

• Two-time Super Bowl Champion (XXII, XXVI)
• Three Super Bowl Appearances
• Seven Pro Bowl appearances (1984, 1986, 1987, 1991, 1991, 1996, 1997)
• Four time First Team All Pro (1986, 1987, 1990, 1991)
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame 2008
• Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame 2004
• Inducted into the NCAA Division II Hall of Fame
• Inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame
• Inducted into the Javelina Hall of Fame
• Inducted into the Lone Star Conference Hall of Honor

Awards

• PFWA All Rookie Team 1983
• NFL All Decade Team 1990s
• Voted one of the 80 Greatest Redskins of all time.
• NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
• Bart Starr Award
• NFL Man of the Year 1996
• Ranked number 81 on the Sporting News list of 100 Greatest Football Players
• In loudoun County, Virginia, State Route 28 is named Darell Green Boulevard
• Received honorary doctorates of Humane Letters from Marymount University, St. Paul’s College and George Washington University

They Call Him Mr. Redskin

Darrell Green played for the Washington Redskins for twenty years. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history.

Born on February 15, 1960, in Houston, Texas, Green grew up in an impoverished family with 11 siblings. Despite facing numerous challenges, Green was determined to pursue his passion for football.

Green attended Texas A&I University (now known as Texas A&M-Kingsville), where he was a standout player.

Washington made him the last pick of the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He spent his entire 20-year career with the team, becoming a beloved figure among Redskins fans.

Green was a force right from the start. The first time he touched the ball in an NFL game, he returned a punt for a touchdown in the preseason opener.

Throughout his career, Green was known for his incredible speed and agility, which he used to dominate opposing receivers. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler, a four-time First-Team All-Pro selection, and a two-time NFL Defensive Back of the Year. He also won two Super Bowls with the Redskins, in 1987 and 1991.

One of Green’s most memorable on-field moments came in a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in 1987 in the divisional playoffs. Green scored a 52-yard punt return in which he hurdled a would-be tackler on his way to paydirt. He hurt himself in the process and Redskin fans will forever remember the image of Green running into the end zone while holding his injured ribs. The score swung the game permanently in Washington’s favour, and the Redskins would ultimately win their second Super Bowl that same year.

Green was also a key component in both of the Super Bowls in 1987 and 1991.

In Super Bowl XXII, Green intercepted Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway and returned the ball 50 yards, setting up a touchdown that helped the Redskins take control of the game.

In Super Bowl XXVI, Green had another interception and helped the Redskins hold the Buffalo Bills to just 17 points en route to another championship.

During his 20-year career with the Washington Redskins, Green established himself as one of the most consistent defenders in NFL history. His blazing speed allowed him to keep up with the fastest receivers in the league, which made him a feared defender and near-shutdown corner.

He played at a high level well into his 40s, which was rare for any player. On his 40th birthday after signing a new contract, he ran a 4.43 40-yard dash to the amazement of all.

Green played in a total of 295 regular season games with the Redskins, which is the most by any player in franchise history. He also played in 18 playoff games for Washington. He recorded 54 career regular season interceptions, including six that he returned for touchdowns. He also had six interceptions in playoff action with 2 more resulting in touchdowns.

The venerable cornerback forced 19 fumbles and recovered eight, demonstrating his ability to create turnovers and change the momentum of games.

Off the field, Green was known for his commitment to his community and his philanthropic work. He founded the Darrell Green Youth Life Foundation in 1988, which provides educational and recreational opportunities for at-risk youth in the Washington, D.C. area. He was also involved in numerous other charitable organizations and served as a mentor and role model to countless young people.

Green was known for his quiet leadership. He was widely respected by his teammates and coaches for his work ethic, his dedication to the game, and his willingness to help others. He was also a deeply spiritual person and often spoke about the importance of faith in his life and his career.

He retired from the NFL in 2002.

He was rightfully inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

Life After Football

In 2003, Green was selected to serve as the Chair of Presidnet Bush’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.

In 2012, he served as a board member for the Baltimore – Washington 2012 Summer Olympics bid.

In 2013 Green became the Special Assistant for Student Athlete Development and Public Relations at the University of Mary Washington.

In 2016, he became the Associate Athletics Director and Special Assistant to the Athletic Director at George Mason University.

As of 2022. he currently sits on the board for the Wolf Trap Foundation as the National Spokesperson for Eduction. He is also on the board for Marymount University.