Anthony Wayne "Bubba" Green (September 30, 1957 – June 21, 2019) was an American football player who briefly competed at the professional level as a defensive lineman. He appeared in 15 games for the Baltimore Colts during the 1981 National Football League season. A knee injury late that year prevented him from returning to the NFL.
Early life and background
Green was born in Cape May, New Jersey, and raised in the small community of Woodbine nearby. Like many professional athletes, his path to the pros involved years of amateur play and the physical demands of line play, though specific details of his high school and collegiate career are not presented here. His given name was Anthony Wayne, and "Bubba" was the familiar nickname by which he was known in sporting circles and local communities.
Role and 1981 season
As a defensive lineman, Green's responsibilities would have included engaging blockers, attempting to disrupt running plays, and pressuring the opposing quarterback. In 1981 he secured a place on the Colts' roster and contributed across 15 regular-season games. After sustaining a significant knee injury, he did not play in another NFL game; such injuries are a common career-defining risk for players at the line of scrimmage.
Later life and death
Following his short professional tenure, Green lived outside the national spotlight. He died of cancer on June 21, 2019, in Randallstown, Maryland, at the age of 62. Local reports and remembrances marked his passing and recalled his time as a Colts player and member of his community.
Notable facts and context
- Brief professional career: Green's single-season NFL appearance is an example of how many players reach the professional level only briefly because of injury or roster competition.
- Team history: He played for the Baltimore-era Colts, a franchise that later relocated, a fact often noted in histories of the league and the club.
- Records and references: Contemporary summaries of his career appear in player listings and obituaries; for further general information about professional play see the National Football League resources and player profiles such as the one linked below.
For a concise overview of his professional record and statistical summary, consult surviving player summaries and archival listings here. Additional local history about his birthplace and community can be found through regional resources.