Former Redskins star ready to tackle eagle athletics

By CARTER WALLER

Darrell Green, former Washington Redskins’ cornerback and member of the NFL Hall of Fame, comes to the University of Mary Washington with plenty of goals as a special assistant for student athletes, and none of them are football related.

Green joined the UMW athletic department in April 2013.

According to Green, it felt natural coming to UMW because of its small, community oriented setting.

“I never had the chance to do certain things during my career,” Green said. “I thought about coaching but there were a lot of things I liked about Mary Washington and the community that reminded me of Texas A&I.”

He attended Texas A&I University, a small college in Kingsville, Texas until he was drafted into the NFL in 1983.

“I wasn’t as interested in coming to a bigger school like George Mason or UVA. I’m not taking away from those schools, but it feels much more natural here because it’s a lot like Texas A&I. There’s more activity between the school and the community,” Green said.

According to Green, the hiring process began with a phone call to Director of Athletics Ken Tyler.

Green left a message for Tyler explaining his interests in becoming a part of the UMW athletic staff. Tyler returned the call, and they immediately started discussing future possibilities.

Green did not seek a defined position in the UMW staff, but wanted to have an impact on the students and community.

“It’s been great so far. I really plan to spend one-on-one time with each sports team,” Green said. “I’m more of a mentor here.”

Green spoke alongside Tyler on Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Battlefield Complex for Eagle Nation Day, which promoted athletics and fitness among youth in the community.

“Athletics and fitness have been a very important part of my life,” Green said. “Because of my past I can revert back. I know what it takes.”

Any ideas about bringing a football program to UMW were quickly dismissed, Green said. He is here for the school and the community.

“We have to support universities like this,” Green said.

Tyler said because of Green’s background, “he brings instant credibility and a high profile to all of our initiatives.”

Tyler also called Green “an outstanding mentor and role model” to students and staff, which is most important, he said.

“In just a short time, he has already had a major impact and we look forward to much more exciting results from our relationship with Darrell in the future,” Tyler said.

Green will join Tyler and the athletic department on Saturday, Sept. 28 at St. Mary’s College of Maryland as the UMW women’s soccer team plays against St. Mary’s beginning at 1 p.m.

Before the game, there will be an alumni event beginning at 11 a.m. at the Daugherty Palmer Commons ballroom with appetizers, beverages and prizes.