Darrell Green

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Green's journey began at Jesse H. Jones High School, where he was severely undersized, sitting on the junior varsity team his junior year before making varsity as a senior. He excelled in college football and track at Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M-Kingsville), setting a 10.08-second 100-meter record at the 1982 NCAA Division II championships, though the Lone Star Conference record now stands at 10.05 seconds. In 1982, he was named team captain, a first-team All-American, and Most Valuable Player in the conference. His professional debut included an immediate 61-yard punt return touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons. A defining moment occurred during the 1987 playoffs when Green vaulted over a tackler on a 52-yard punt return for a game-winning touchdown against the Chicago Bears, despite having played earlier in the season with a cracked rib.

In Their Own Story

In the 1987 NFC Championship game with 56 seconds remaining and Minnesota threatening at the goal line, Green knocked away a pass intended for Darrin Nelson on fourth down to secure a 17–10 victory en route to Super Bowl XXII. His longevity was unmatched; in December 1997, he played his 217th career game as a Redskin, breaking Monte Coleman's record. On December 13, 1999, he intercepted his 50th NFL pass against Jake Plummer. In his final game on December 29, 2002, at age 42 years and 327 days, Green returned a punt reverse for 35 yards, the longest gain by a player of that age in history. Throughout his career, he missed only 25 games, recording 54 interceptions and six regular-season touchdowns on returns.

Reader's Guide

Green played under six head coaches: Joe Gibbs, Richie Petitbon, Norv Turner, Terry Robiskie, Marty Schottenheimer, and Steve Spurrier. He recorded a career-best five interceptions in three different seasons (1984, 1986, 1991) and his longest interception return was an 83-yard touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1997. His pregame ritual involved eating and sticking Tootsie Rolls in his socks to help him run fast. He holds the NFL record for most consecutive seasons with an interception (19) and is tied with Jerry Rice for most seasons with at least one touch (20). Washington retired his number 28 on October 20, 2024, during a home game against the Carolina Panthers.

Did You Know?

• Green is the only undefeated multiple winner in the NFL's Fastest Man competition.
• He ran a career-best 10.08 seconds in the 100 meters at the 1982 NCAA Division II championships, though the Lone Star Conference record is now 10.05 seconds.
• Green was the last player selected in the first round of the 1983 NFL draft (pick #28).
• He missed the remainder of the 1992 regular season (about 12 games) after breaking his arm on September 15, 1992.