By Darin The story of Tim Green is one of rare duality in football history. Green wasn’t just a dominant defensive tackle for Syracuse University; he was a powerhouse of intellect, earning Academic All-American honors twice. This combination of athletic skill and academic excellence set him apart as a truly unique prospect. His relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks made him a legend in the trenches, culminating in a highly sought-after status in the NFL Draft. Discover how this two-way threat translated collegiate greatness into a successful professional career and ultimately earned his place in the College Football Hall of Fame.
Football Bio
December 16, 1963 – Liverpool, New York – Tim Green, the defensive tackle from Syracuse University, came into this world. Green was a two-time Academic All-American, recording 24 collegiate sacks. Tim Green was selected by the NFF to enter the College Football Hall of Fame in 2002. After school, Tim was a first-round Draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons, taken 17th overall in 1986.
Green is renowned not just for his powerful play, but for his intellectual achievements off the field. A rare two-time Academic All-American, Green excelled in the classroom at Syracuse while simultaneously dominating opposing offensive lines. His 24 collegiate sacks are a testament to his relentless motor and technical skill. This formidable combination of brains and brawn made him one of the most coveted prospects in the 1986 NFL Draft.
The Atlanta Falcons recognized his potential, selecting him 17th overall. During his NFL career, Green successfully transitioned his college success into professional longevity, demonstrating the kind of disciplined performance expected of a first-round pick. His success in both academic and athletic spheres established a powerful legacy that Syracuse often promotes. The National Football Foundation recognized this unique, well-rounded career in 2002 by inducting Tim Green into the College Football Hall of Fame, recognizing the defensive tackle’s lasting impact on the sport and its emphasis on student-athlete excellence.
Conclusion
Tim Green’s career represents the pinnacle of the student-athlete ideal. His twin accomplishments—leading the Syracuse defense with 24 career sacks and earning multiple Academic All-American honors—made him an irresistible prospect for the Atlanta Falcons. His 2002 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame permanently enshrines his status as a legendary figure whose achievements on and off the field continue to inspire future generations of football players.
Accolades and Accomplishments
- Born: December 16, 1963, Liverpool, New York
- College: Syracuse University
- Collegiate Sacks: 24
- Academic Honors: Two-time Academic All-American
- NFL Draft: 1st Round (17th Overall) by the Atlanta Falcons (1986)
- Hall of Fame Induction: College Football Hall of Fame (2002)
