Jacob Green: The Texas A&M Terror and “Sack King” of the Southwest

🏈 The Defensive Force Who Redefined the Sack

Long before the “sack” became an official NFL statistic, Jacob Green was already perfecting the art of the quarterback takedown. While the user mentioned “Bowling Green,” Jacob Green is actually the quintessential legend of Texas A&M and the Seattle Seahawks. Known for his explosive first step and relentless motor, Green terrorized the Southwest Conference in the late 1970s. Whether he was setting a then-school record of 20 sacks in a single season or forcing fumbles at an unprecedented rate, Green was a defensive coordinator’s worst nightmare. On this day, January 21, we celebrate the birth of a man who retired as one of the top three sack artists in pro football history.

Football Bio

Jacob Green was born on January 21, 1957, in Pasadena, Texas. A standout at Houston’s Kashmere High School, he took his talents to Texas A&M University, where he became one of the most decorated defensive linemen in Aggie history. Green was a First-Team All-American in 1979, a season in which he recorded a staggering 20 sacks—a record that still stands at Texas A&M today. Over his three-year collegiate career, he amassed 38 sacks and 12 forced fumbles, leading to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

Selected 10th overall by the Seattle Seahawks in the 1980 NFL Draft, Green became a cornerstone of the franchise for 12 seasons. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro selection, finishing his career with 97.5 official sacks (over 115 including his first two seasons). His consistency and durability allowed him to play in 178 games for Seattle, and his impact on the community led him to be inducted into the Seahawks Ring of Honor. Today, he continues his legacy at his alma mater, serving as a key leader in the 12th Man Foundation.

A Legend in Two Cities

Jacob Green is that rare athlete whose jersey is synonymous with greatness in both the college and professional ranks. At Texas A&M, he was the heart of the “Wrecking Crew” defense before the nickname even existed. In Seattle, he was the reliable veteran who anchored a defense through the 1980s, eventually becoming the team’s all-time leader in sacks and fumble recoveries. Beyond the gridiron, Green’s “Charity Golf Classic” has raised millions for cancer research, proving that his legendary status isn’t just about what he did on Sundays, but how he has given back to the fans who cheered for him.

Accolades and Football Accomplishments

• College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (Class of 2019)
• Seattle Seahawks Ring of Honor (Inducted 1995)
• 2-time Pro Bowl Selection (1986, 1987)
• First-Team All-Pro (1983)
• Texas A&M Single-Season Sack Record (20 sacks in 1979)
• Texas A&M Career Forced Fumble Record (12)
• First-Team All-American (1979)
• 2-time All-Southwest Conference Selection (1978, 1979)
• Steve Largent Award Winner (1990)
• Seahawks 35th Anniversary Team Member