A majority of football fans will recognize the phrase, “We are who they thought we were; and we let them off the hook!” Yet not many can recognize the man who delivered those infamous lines.
Dennis Green, the NFL coach whose single press conference after a loss seemingly superseded the man and the rest of his career himself, has died at 67.
Friday morning, Green’s family friend and former agent Ray Anderson confirmed the death to ESPN’s Adam Schefter after speaking with Green’s wife. The cause of death was that of cardiac arrest.
Green coached the Vikings and Cardinal during his 13-season stint in the NFL. His Vikings made eight playoff appearances in ten seasons from 1992 to 2001, reaching the NFC Championship Game in 1998 and 2000. He also led the Vikings to a 15-1 regular season in 1998 and ranks second in franchise history in games coached, wins and winning percentage, trailing Hall of Fame coach Bud Grant in each category (ESPN).
In his remembrance, one of the most memorable post game press conferences of all time, a rant that took place after his Cardinals blew a 20-0 halftime lead to the Bears on Monday Night Football in 2006.
RIP Coach Green, you are who we thought you were.
