Saturday, June 4, 2016

1977 Profile: Tony Greene

Free Safety
No. 43
Maryland
"Greene led the Bills in interceptions in 1976 with five thefts for 135 yards. He set a Buffalo record with a 101-yard return for a touchdown against Kansas City on October 3, the longest interception return of the year in the NFL. He started all 14 games at free safety where he earned All-Pro honors in 1974. Greene moved into a second place tie with Booker Edgerson on the Bills' all-time interception list with 24, trailing only Butch Byrd. He was involved in 59 tackles in 1976, credited with two fumble recoveries and knocked down 10 passes.
He started nine games at cornerback in 1975, replacing the injured Robert James. Tony earned All-Pro honors in 1974 despite missing the final two games with a knee injury that required surgery. He was voted by teammates as the Bills' MVP on defense [that year].
Tony ranked second in the NFL with nine interceptions in '74 and tied a Bills record with interceptions in four straight games. Elected permanent defensive captain the last three years, he has 20 interceptions in the last three years. Tony once had a 105-yard interception return against Miami wiped out by a penalty.
He saw action at both cornerback and safety in 1973 after earning a starting berth the previous year. He was used as a kick returner in 1972 and 1973.
Greene was a defensive back and captain of Maryland's 1970 squad and led the Atlantic Coast Conference in interceptions. He was voted as the Terrapins' outstanding defensive back as both a junior and a senior. A sprinter for the Maryland track team, he set records in the 50 (5.3 seconds), 60 (6.0) and 100 (9.5).
He majored in physical education at Maryland. He worked for two years in the off-season for the Commerce Department's Business Management Fellowship Program in Buffalo. Tony was the 1976 winner of the Dodge Man of the Year balloting in Buffalo. He enjoys music and dancing."

-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-Radio-TV Guide

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