Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt announced on Saturday that former cornerback Gary Green will be the 2015 inductee into the Chiefs Hall of Fame. Green is the 45th player to earn this coveted honor which will be celebrated this evening at the 45th annual 101 Awards banquet in downtown Kansas City. The official enshrinement ceremony to the Chiefs Hall of Fame will be held during Chiefs Alumni Weekend at Arrowhead Stadium this fall.
A collection of photos from the 45th annual 101 Awards.
"It is my pleasure to announce that Gary Green will be inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame this fall," Hunt said. "Gary was one of the most competitive, physical and intelligent players we've had in a Chiefs uniform. His desire and drive propelled him to great success on and off the playing field. His stats are impressive, but what the numbers don't show is how much opposing quarterbacks feared throwing to his side of the field. We are looking forward to adding his name into our Ring of Honor."
Green spent seven years on Kansas City's roster (1977-83) where he saw action in 100 games (99 starts). He recorded 24 interceptions returned for 330 yards, including one for 42 yards and a touchdown. He added 10 fumble recoveries. Green also served as a premier special teams player for the club. He ranks tied for third in team history with two career blocked punts. Green was a team captain for five of his seven seasons in Kansas City.
The San Antonio, Texas, native garnered three Pro Bowl berths with the Chiefs before being traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 1984. Green started his career in Kansas City under head coach Paul Wiggin in 1977 and also played under Tom Bettis (Interim), Marv Levy (1978-82) and John Mackovic (1983).
Green was drafted with the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 1977 NFL Draft. His rookie season he won the team's Mack Lee Hill Award designated for a rookie or first year player who displays characteristics on and off the field similar to the late Mack Lee Hill who had "a giant heart and a quiet way." In 1982, Green earned the team's MVP Award. He was named an All-Pro cornerback three consecutive years (1981-83).
Prior to joining the Chiefs, Green was a standout collegiate player at Baylor University (1973-77). He helped the Bears turn around their football program and win the 1974 Southwest Conference title. His sophomore season Green suffered a major knee injury, but was able to return the following season and earn consensus All-America honors. He was inducted into Baylor's Hall of Fame in 1989 and the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.
Green was also inducted into the San Antonio Independent School District Hall of Fame in 2015.
Green and his wife, Mildred, have five children and three grandchildren.
