Ex-Zip Victor Green at combine

Former University of Akron safety Victor Green came to the NFL Scouting Combine to interview players for his web site, ClassActSports.com.

Retired after 11 NFL seasons and living in Alpharetta, Ga., Green said he talks to current and former players to promote their community service.

"There's so much negative press we've gotten for so long as athletes,'' said Green, 41. "The last three months we've probably interviewed over 90 players.''

The previous weekend Green was in Tampa, Fla., at a charity golf tournament sponsored by Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jesse Litsch. Among the regulars he interviewed was Jays outfielder Jose Bautista. Next month he'll be at the Nike Combine for high school players.

"We try to promote the positives guys are doing, not just football and basketball players, but all athletes,'' Green said.

Green spent last year as a pro personnel assistant with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the team revamped its scouting department after the season. Green said he might end up at Grambling with football coach Doug Williams, who spent six years as the Bucs scouting director.

"I did like scouting,'' Green said. "A lot of hours. From the time the season was over until the draft, I've probably written up 300-400 players extensively and I'm not a writer. I was a political science major with a minor in criminal justice.

"But I can look at a guy and tell you what type of player he's going to be. But to sit there and write paragraphs ... I don't have a problem with it; that's not the reason I'm not there.''

Green will celebrate his 15th wedding anniversary March 2. He has three children, two girls and a boy, ages 14, 12 and 9.

Green last played for the New Orleans Saints in 2003. He was with the New England Patriots in 2002 and the New York Jets from 1993-2001. For his career, he recorded 200 tackles, 25 interceptions (3 for TDs), seven forced fumbles and seven sacks.

Introducing himself when he asked a question of Jets coach Rex Ryan Thursday, Ryan commented that Green (5-foot-11 and 210 pounds in the NFL) looked like he could still play.

"I take care of myself,'' Green said. "I was up at 5:25 this morning, got an hour workout in. I keep my mind going and my body active and staying young.''