Darrell Green
Defensive Back, Washington Redskins

Topic: “The Leader In Us All”

Darrell Green is a seven-time All-Pro defensive back, four-time NFL Fastest Man, and two-time Super Bowl Champion. Born in Houston, Texas, Darrell played college football at Texas A&I University until the Washington Redskins drafted him in the first round of the 1983 NFL draft. As an active player, Green will celebrate his 20th anniversary with the team this season.

Green’s phenomenal career started with an electrifying rookie debut. During his first regular season game against Redskins rivals the Dallas Cowboys, Green made his first hallmark play when he chased down the legendary Tony Dorsett and prevented a touchdown. His rookie season concluded with a trip to Super Bowl XVIII against the Raiders. Green went on to make more spectacular plays, and play in Super Bowl XXII and Super Bowl XXVI, both victories over the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills, respectively.

Named the World’s Fastest Athlete in 1991, Green holds the following NFL records:

• First NFL player in game history to make at least one interception in 19 straight seasons.
  
• First NFL player in game history to return an interception for a touchdown at age 37.
  
• First NFL player in game history to play cornerback at the age of 42.

Although Green continues to make NFL and Redskins history, he is best known for his character, moral leadership and integrity—that stem from his personal relationship with Jesus Christ—and for his passion to see that children grow up in environments that are vibrant, secure and nurturing.

Green founded the Darrell Green Youth Life Foundation (DGYLF) in 1988 to create doors of opportunity for children living in insecure environments. This mission is accomplished through community-based, values-driven learning centers operating in select urban, suburban and rural neighborhoods throughout America.

The first Darrell Green Youth Life Learning Center (DGLC) was established in 1993 to equip youth to stand aggressively against the particular challenges they face and train them to provide quality leadership for their peers and posterity. The goal of the DGLC is to train a generation of leaders who are educationally, technically, and morally excellent. Five centers in three states currently operate in the DGYLF network, and a sixth center will open in Fall 2002.

Darrell not only serves children and families, he lives the values taught in the DGLCs. Fifteen years after leaving Texas A&I University, Green completed his college education and graduated from St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virginia, with a Bachelor of Science degree. Green also serves as a board member for the Baltimore-Washington 2012 Olympic Bid, NFL/NFLPA September 11th Relief Fund and the Loudoun Education Foundation.

He and his wife Jewell have three children: Jerrell, Jared and Joi.