Green was born to a family of sharecroppers in the small town of Eminence, Kentucky. With a population of less than 2,500 during Green's childhood, it's safe to conclude that opportunities for advancement were limited. Green was born athletically gifted. He participated in football, basketball, baseball and track in his youth. Although resources were limited, he did not allow his talents to go to waste. Instead of sitting idle, Green would practice by running on railroad beds and racing against traffic.

Out of all of the sports Green participated in as a teen, he found a passion for track & field. His high school did not have a team so he entered himself in state-wide track meets. He earned the title as the Kentucky state champion for the 100-and-220-yard-dash events as a sophomore, junior and senior in high school. It was also during these track meets where he set state records. 

Throughout High School, Green gained ample media attention for his talents on the track and other playing fields. He recieved many college scholarship offers to play football; but ultimately decided to accept a track & field scholarship to the University of Kentucky as the first African-American on the team.