Former NFL Coach Dennis Green Dies at Age 67

Dennis Green, who coached 13 years in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals, died Friday morning, after suffering a cardiac arrest, according to former agent Ray Anderson.

Former NFL Coach Dennis Green Dies at Age 67

Following a discussion with Green’s wife, Marie, Anderson confirmed his former client and family friend was dead at age 67, informing ESPN’s Adam Schefter of the loss.

“Denny” Green began his coaching career at the collegiate level for Northwestern as the second African American head coach in the history of college football (Willie Jeffries, Witchita State). He was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year in his second season as the leader of the Wildcats.

Green left Evanston, Ill. for San Francisco in 1985 where he took a job as the wide receiver’s coach for Bill Walsh’s 49ers.

He then served as head coach at Stanford from 1989-1991, before becoming the second African American head coach in NFL history when he was hired to replace the retiring Jerry Burns.

Green led the Vikings to the postseason eight times in his 10 years at the helm in Minnesota, including a 15-1 season in 1998. The Vikings reached the NFC Championship game twice under Green, in 1998 and 2000.

He is credited with giving Randy Moss a chance to play in the NFL.

After multiple issues in high school and college, Moss slipped to the 21st pick of the first round in the 1998 NFL Draft, where Green and Minnesota picked the wide receiver out of Marshall.

Moss thanked Green for the opportunity, then went on to stage a future Hall of Fame career.

The Vikings posted their condolences on Twitter Friday.

“We are incredibly saddened by the passing of former Vikings Head Coach Dennis Green,” the team posted.

Minnesota cut ties with Green with a game to go in the 2001-2002 season. He spent two years as an analyst for ESPN before returning to the sidelines as head coach of the Cardinals.

Despite some lofty expectations, brought about by the drafting of quarterback Matt Leinart and the signing of running back Edgerrin James, Green finished 16-32 in three seasons in Arizona.

The most memorable moment from his stint with the Cardinals has become an internet sensation in recent years. At a press conference following a loss to the Chicago Bears, Green lost his cool at the podium.

DENNIS GREEN GOES NUTS AFTER LOSS TO BEARS

“The Bears are who we thought they were,” Green said. “They are who we thought they were. And we let them off the hook.”

Former Viking running back Robert Smith took to Twitter to express his grief.

“Rest in peace Denny,” Smith Tweeted Friday. “I lost my mother in April, I feel like I just lost father.”

Article by Kevin Xavier