Editing Joe Greene (section)

==Professional football career==
The [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] franchise was one of the most downtrodden in the NFL, having experienced many losing seasons before the hiring of [[Chuck Noll]] as head coach in 1969.<ref>Freedman & Hoak 2009, p. 72.</ref> Noll and the [[Rooney family]], which had owned the franchise since its formation, agreed that building the defensive line was crucial to rebuilding the team.<ref name=Millman45>Millman & Coyne 2010, p. 45</ref> Thus, they decided on Greene with the fourth pick of the [[1969 NFL draft]]. The selection proved unpopular with fans and media, who were hoping for a player that would generate excitement; the relatively unknown Greene did not appear to meet their expectations.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Smith|first1=Don|title=Chuck Noll|journal=The Coffin Corner|date=1993|volume=15|issue=2|url=http://www.profootballresearchers.org/archives/Website_Files/Coffin_Corner/15-02-515.pdf|access-date=October 19, 2016|archive-date=September 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907221107/http://www.profootballresearchers.org/archives/Website_Files/Coffin_Corner/15-02-515.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Meanwhile, Greene, who was highly competitive, was disappointed he was picked by a team that had such a reputation for losing.<ref name=Freedman83/> "I did not, did not want to be a Steeler," he admitted in a 2013 interview.<ref name=Pompeani>{{cite news|last1=Pompeani|first1=Bob|title=Joe Greene Opens Up About Time With Steelers, Teammates' Passing|url=http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2013/11/25/joe-greene-opens-up-about-time-with-steelers-teammates-passing/|access-date=October 18, 2016|publisher=CBS Pittsburgh|date=November 25, 2013|archive-date=May 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507175145/http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2013/11/25/joe-greene-opens-up-about-time-with-steelers-teammates-passing/|url-status=live}}</ref> Noll saw immense potential in Greene and insisted on drafting him.<ref name=Wexell82>Wexell, Mendelson, & Aretha 2014, p. 82.</ref> [[Ken Kortas]], who had played in all 42 games as defensive tackle over the previous three seasons, was soon traded away to the [[Chicago Bears]] to accommodate him on the roster.<ref>{{cite news|title='Burgh's Best to Wear It, No. 75: Joe Greene nearly wore another number to fame with Steelers|url=https://triblive.com/sports/burghs-best-to-wear-it-no-75-joe-greene-nearly-wore-another-number-to-fame-with-steelers/|first=Joe|last=Rutter|date=June 17, 2020|accessdate=October 20, 2022|newspaper=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review}}</ref> In a matter of months he established himself as one of the most dominant players in the league at his position. Despite his team finishing [[1969 Pittsburgh Steelers season|1969]] with a 1–13 record, the [[Associated Press]] (AP) named Greene the [[Associated Press NFL Rookie of the Year Award|NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Greene Top Defensive Rookie|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/10520566/greene_top_defensive_rookie/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425121308/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/10520566/greene_top_defensive_rookie/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 25, 2017|access-date=April 25, 2017|work=The Odessa American|agency=Associated Press|date=December 20, 1969|page=15|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name=Harrison>{{cite web|last1=Harrison|first1=Elliot|title=Top rookie seasons of the Super Bowl era: Defensive linemen|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/top-rookie-seasons-of-the-super-bowl-era-defensive-linemen-0ap3000000484355|website=NFL.com|access-date=October 19, 2016|date=April 9, 2015|archive-date=October 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019143005/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000484355/article/top-rookie-seasons-of-the-super-bowl-era-defensive-linemen|url-status=live}}</ref> and he was invited to his first [[1970 Pro Bowl|Pro Bowl]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Sports Briefs|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1817&dat=19691223&id=cBkfAAAAIBAJ&pg=2928,4991424|access-date=October 19, 2016|work=The Tuscaloosa News|date=December 23, 1969|page=6|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423193135/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1817&dat=19691223&id=cBkfAAAAIBAJ&pg=2928%2C4991424|url-status=live}}</ref>

Former teammate [[Andy Russell (American football)|Andy Russell]] called Greene "unquestionably the NFL's best player in the seventies," saying "No player had a greater impact or did more for his team."<ref name=Russell>{{cite book|last1=Russell|first1=Andy|last2=Bleier|first2=Rocky|title=Andy Russell: A Steeler Odyssey|date=2012|publisher=Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.|isbn=978-1613211595|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bRLjxYWlRUAC|access-date=October 18, 2016|chapter=Joe Greene|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423193144/https://books.google.com/books?id=bRLjxYWlRUAC|url-status=live}}</ref> Greene and coach Noll are widely credited with turning the Steelers franchise around.<ref name=Pomerantz48>Pomerantz 2014, p. 58.</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Brown|first1=Scott|title=Hall of Famer Chuck Noll dies at 82|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11080732/legendary-pitsburgh-steelers-coach-chuck-noll-dies-82|access-date=October 19, 2016|work=ESPN|date=June 14, 2014|archive-date=October 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020172831/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11080732/legendary-pitsburgh-steelers-coach-chuck-noll-dies-82|url-status=live}}</ref> The Steelers finished [[1970 Pittsburgh Steelers season|1970]] with a 5–9 record and went 6–8 in [[1971 Pittsburgh Steelers season|1971]]. Greene was invited to the Pro Bowl in both seasons.<ref name="PFR">{{cite web|title=Joe Greene Stats|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GreeJo02.htm|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 19, 2016|archive-date=March 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321111129/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GreeJo02.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[1972 Pittsburgh Steelers season|1972]], Pittsburgh finished 11–3 and won its first division title and its first playoff game—the "[[Immaculate Reception]]" game against the [[1972 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]].  During the season, Greene tallied 11 [[quarterback sack]]s and 42 solo tackles, and he was recognized as the [[AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year]]. [[Miami Dolphins]] head coach [[Don Shula]] lauded Greene, saying, "He's just a super super<!--sic--> star. It's hard to believe he isn't offside on every play. He makes the other team adjust to him."<ref name=Mihoces>{{cite news|last1=Mihoces|first1=Gary|title=Joe Greene Defensive Player of the Year|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1982&dat=19730104&id=Ae5GAAAAIBAJ&pg=6099,813775&hl=en|access-date=October 19, 2016|work=The Evening News|agency=Associated Press|date=January 5, 1973|page=6B|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423193144/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1982&dat=19730104&id=Ae5GAAAAIBAJ&pg=6099%2C813775&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref> By this time, Noll had built a formidable defense. "We have maybe 10 guys now capable of making All-Pro," said Greene in 1972. "I'm just like all the other guys, doing my best in a team effort."<ref name=Mihoces/>
With the drafting of defensive tackle [[Ernie Holmes]] in 1972, the Steelers assembled what became known as the "[[Steel Curtain]]" defensive line of Greene, Holmes, [[L. C. Greenwood]], and [[Dwight White]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Battista|first1=Judy|title=Steelers' Defense Recalls Steel Curtain Memories|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/sports/football/01defense.html?mcubz=2&mcubz=2|access-date=May 28, 2017|work=The New York Times|date=January 31, 2009|archive-date=October 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029064446/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/sports/football/01defense.html?mcubz=2&mcubz=2|url-status=live}}</ref> Greene was invited to the [[1974 Pro Bowl|Pro Bowl for 1973]], joining White and Greenwood on the [[American Football Conference]] (AFC) roster.<ref>{{cite news|title=NFL Ready For Final 'Joke' Game|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11301666/nfl_ready_for_final_joke_game/|access-date=May 28, 2017|work=The Daily Courier|agency=United Press International|date=January 18, 1974|page=7|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113130840/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11301666/nfl_ready_for_final_joke_game/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Greene won his second AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award after the [[1974 Pittsburgh Steelers season|1974 season]], becoming the first player to receive the award multiple times.<ref>{{cite news|title=Defensive Honor Goes To 'Mean' Joe Greene|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1755&dat=19750108&id=IrEqAAAAIBAJ&pg=1432,3041106&hl=en|access-date=October 21, 2016|work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune|agency=Associated Press|date=January 8, 1975|page=1C|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423193213/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1755&dat=19750108&id=IrEqAAAAIBAJ&pg=1432%2C3041106&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref> That year, he developed a new tactic of lining up at a sharp angle between the guard and center to disrupt the opposition's blocking assignments.<ref name=HOF>{{cite web|title=Joe Greene Bio|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/players/joe-greene/biography/|publisher=Pro Football Hall of Fame|access-date=October 21, 2016|archive-date=October 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022022420/http://www.profootballhof.com/players/joe-greene/biography/|url-status=live}}</ref> His coaches were at first skeptical of the tactic and did not allow him to try it during the regular season. He first implemented it against the [[1974 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]] in the division championship game. It proved to be highly effective, as it impeded Buffalo's blocking, and running back [[O. J. Simpson]] managed only 48 yards rushing.<ref name=Russell/> The following week, the Steelers faced the [[1974 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]] in the AFC championship game, with the defining match-up being Greene against All-Pro center [[Jim Otto]]. At one point Greene, consumed by emotions, kicked Otto in the groin. Later, on a third-down play, Greene threw Otto to the ground with one arm before leaping to sack quarterback [[Ken Stabler]].<ref name=OO>{{cite magazine|last1=Pomerantz|first1=Gary M.|title=Mean Joe vs. Double O|url=http://mmqb.si.com/2013/11/01/joe-greene-jim-otto-1974-afc-championship-game|access-date=November 13, 2016|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=November 1, 2013|archive-date=November 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114004429/http://mmqb.si.com/2013/11/01/joe-greene-jim-otto-1974-afc-championship-game|url-status=live}}</ref> Oakland was held to 29 rushing yards in the Steelers' 24–13 victory. On January 12, 1975, the Steelers won their first of four [[Super Bowl]] championships in a six-year span by defeating the [[1974 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]] 16–6 in [[Super Bowl IX]]. In that game, lined up against center [[Mick Tingelhoff]], Greene recorded an interception, forced fumble, and fumble recovery in what is considered one of the greatest individual defensive Super Bowl performances.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ruiz|first1=Steven|title=The best Super Bowl performances at every position|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/02/the-best-super-bowl-performances-at-every-position|access-date=October 21, 2016|work=USA Today|date=February 2, 2016|archive-date=October 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161015194501/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/02/the-best-super-bowl-performances-at-every-position|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Silverman71>{{cite book|last1=Silverman|first1=Steve|title=Who's Better, Who's Best in Football?: Setting the Record Straight on the Top 65 NFL Players of the Past 65 Years|date=2014|publisher=Skyhorse Publishing|isbn=978-1613217535|page=71|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ikNfBgAAQBAJ|access-date=October 21, 2016|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423193145/https://books.google.com/books?id=ikNfBgAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> Pittsburgh limited the Vikings to only 119 total yards of offense, 17 of which were gained on the ground.<ref>{{cite web|title=Super Bowl IX Game Recap|url=http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/history/recap/sbix|website=NFL.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises LLC|access-date=October 21, 2016|archive-date=October 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029232442/http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/history/recap/sbix|url-status=live}}</ref> After the season, Greene was honored by the ''[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]'' at its 39th [[Dapper Dan Charities|Dapper Dan dinner]] as Pittsburgh's outstanding sports figure of the year.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mean Joe Star of Dapper Dan Weekend|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1129&dat=19750208&id=c8tRAAAAIBAJ&pg=7098,932676|access-date=November 8, 2016|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=February 8, 1975|page=10|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423193224/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1129&dat=19750208&id=c8tRAAAAIBAJ&pg=7098%2C932676|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Joe Greene Jersey BobbleHead.jpg|thumb|170px|Greene's jersey displayed in the [[Heinz Field]] Walk of Fame]]
Greene missed four games in [[1975 Pittsburgh Steelers season|1975]] due to a pinched nerve, snapping a streak of 91 straight games started since he entered the league.<ref name=HOF/> In December 1975, he and the other members of the Steel Curtain appeared on the cover of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine.<ref name=Freedman83>Freedman & Hoak 2009, p. 83.</ref> After leading the Steelers to another Super Bowl win after the 1975 season over the [[Dallas Cowboys]] in [[Super Bowl X]], Greene missed the first several games of the [[1976 Pittsburgh Steelers season|1976 season]] with a back injury. The Steelers started off the season 1–4 and looked like they would not make the playoffs. Quarterback [[Terry Bradshaw]] was also injured and was replaced by rookie [[Mike Kruczek]]. Greene returned and the Steelers defense carried the team to nine-straight wins and the playoffs. With a defense considered one of the best in NFL history,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ruiz|first1=Steven|title=Stats show the 2015 Broncos defense is top-10 all time, but just barely|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/02/proof-that-the-broncos-put-together-one-of-the-greatest-nfl-defenses-of-all-time|access-date=November 1, 2016|work=USA Today|date=February 8, 2016|archive-date=November 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103220253/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/02/proof-that-the-broncos-put-together-one-of-the-greatest-nfl-defenses-of-all-time|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Tallent|first1=Aaron|title=10 Greatest Defenses in NFL History|url=http://athlonsports.com/nfl/10-greatest-defenses-nfl-history|access-date=November 1, 2016|publisher=Athlon Sports|date=February 15, 2016|archive-date=November 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116212055/http://athlonsports.com/nfl/10-greatest-defenses-nfl-history|url-status=live}}</ref> the 1976 Steelers held opponents to an average of less than 10 points per game (138 points over 14 games). During their nine-game winning streak, the Steelers defense recorded five shutouts, including three straight, and surrendered a total of 28 points (roughly 3 points per game).<ref>Pomerantz 2014, p. 7.</ref> The defense allowed only two touchdowns over those nine games. The Steelers were defeated by the Raiders in that year's AFC championship game.<ref>{{cite news|title=Steelers' Dan Rooney through the years|url=http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/12192332-74/steelers-dan-rooney-through-the-years|access-date=May 28, 2017|work=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review|date=April 13, 2017|archive-date=May 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522080227/http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/12192332-74/steelers-dan-rooney-through-the-years|url-status=live}}</ref>

By [[1977 Pittsburgh Steelers season|1977]], Greene was the captain of the Steelers defense, although his reduced effectiveness over the previous two seasons due to injuries led to rumors that he was washed up.<ref name=Marshall>{{cite magazine|last1=Marshall|first1=Joe|title=Pouncing on a Championship|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=January 15, 1979|volume=50|issue=2|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1979/01/15/823294/pouncing-on-a-championship-pittsburgh-got-the-drop-on-houston-in-the-rain-drenched-fumble-filled-afc-title-game-smashing-the-oilers-34-5-to-set-up-a-super-bowl-rendezvous-with-dallas|access-date=October 29, 2016|archive-date=April 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408030426/http://www.si.com/vault/1979/01/15/823294/pouncing-on-a-championship-pittsburgh-got-the-drop-on-houston-in-the-rain-drenched-fumble-filled-afc-title-game-smashing-the-oilers-34-5-to-set-up-a-super-bowl-rendezvous-with-dallas|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Wexell83>Wexell, Mendelson, & Aretha 2014, p. 83.</ref> He was never again able to attain the same success as a pass rusher after his pinched nerve in 1975.<ref name=Anderson/> Spurred by the rumors, he returned in [[1978 Pittsburgh Steelers season|1978]] to lead all Pittsburgh linemen in tackles, and he had four sacks and a career-high five fumble recoveries. The Steelers defense allowed a league-low 195 points during the season, en route to a 35–31 victory over the Cowboys in [[Super Bowl XIII]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fox|first1=Larry|title=Super Bowl XIII: Steelers first 3-time winner in Super thriller, 35-31|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/super-bowl-xiii-steelers-3-time-winner-super-thriller-35-31-article-1.1559716|access-date=October 28, 2016|work=New York Daily News|date=January 22, 1979|page=3|archive-date=October 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029044059/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/super-bowl-xiii-steelers-3-time-winner-super-thriller-35-31-article-1.1559716|url-status=live}}</ref> In that contest, Greene had one of Pittsburgh's five sacks of Dallas quarterback [[Roger Staubach]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Super Bowl XIII - Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Dallas Cowboys - January 21st, 1979|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197901210dal.htm|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 28, 2016|archive-date=November 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102024016/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197901210dal.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Pittsburgh finished the [[1979 Pittsburgh Steelers season|1979 season]] with a 12–4 record, and ranked second in [[total offence|total defense]] and fifth in scoring defense. Greene was named a first-team All-Pro by the [[Pro Football Writers Association]] and ''[[Pro Football Weekly]]'' and was invited to his final Pro Bowl.<ref name=PFR/> He was also deemed the NFL's [[Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award|Man of the Year]] in recognition of his off-field contributions. In the AFC championship game against the [[1979 Houston Oilers season|Houston Oilers]], the Steelers held NFL MVP [[Earl Campbell]] to just 15 rushing yards on 17 carries.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Zimmerman|first1=Paul|title=Hitting a Wall of Steel|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=January 14, 1980|volume=52|issue=2|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1980/01/14/824299/hitting-a-wall-of-steel-earl-campbell--co-tried-and-failed-to-dent-the-pittsburgh-defense-the-rams-get-a-shot-in-super-bowl-xiv|access-date=November 7, 2016|archive-date=November 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108052536/http://www.si.com/vault/1980/01/14/824299/hitting-a-wall-of-steel-earl-campbell--co-tried-and-failed-to-dent-the-pittsburgh-defense-the-rams-get-a-shot-in-super-bowl-xiv|url-status=live}}</ref> Pittsburgh then defeated the [[1979 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]] in [[Super Bowl XIV]] for an unprecedented fourth Super Bowl title.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Attner|first1=Paul|title=Super Bowl XIV: Steelers Rally for Fourth Title|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nfl/longterm/superbowl/stories/sb14.htm|access-date=November 7, 2016|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=January 21, 1980|archive-date=November 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108133553/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nfl/longterm/superbowl/stories/sb14.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> With the fourth title came Greene's fourth [[Super Bowl ring]], inspiring his famous phrase, "one for the thumb", an allusion to winning a fifth championship.<ref name=Pomerantz239/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Bouchette|first1=Ed|title=The one for the thumb: Steelers collect their Super Bowl rings|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2006/06/05/The-one-for-the-thumb-Steelers-collect-their-Super-Bowl-rings/stories/200606050085|access-date=November 8, 2016|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=June 5, 2006|archive-date=April 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415102404/http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2006/06/05/The-one-for-the-thumb-Steelers-collect-their-Super-Bowl-rings/stories/200606050085|url-status=live}}</ref> His wish went unfulfilled, however, as the Steelers failed to reach the playoffs in each of his final two seasons.<ref name=Wexell79/>

Greene retired as a player following the [[1981 Pittsburgh Steelers season|1981 season]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Joe Greene Retires |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/02/11/sports/sports-people-joe-greene-retires.html |access-date=June 11, 2018 |work=The New York Times |date=February 11, 1982 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612210501/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/02/11/sports/sports-people-joe-greene-retires.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He finished his career having played in 181 out of a possible 190 games, and recorded 77.5 sacks<ref name=Wexell83/> (unofficially, as sacks were not an official statistic until 1982) and 16 fumble recoveries. His spot in the lineup was technically not replaced; the Steelers switched to a [[3–4 defense|3–4 defensive alignment]] for the [[1982 Pittsburgh Steelers season|1982 season]], which has only one [[nose tackle]] as opposed to two defensive tackles. The team has used the 3–4 as its base alignment continuously in the years since Greene's retirement, and more recently have used alignments that deploy only two true linemen.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bouchette|first1=Ed|title=On the Steelers: Signature 3–4 defense is a thing of the past|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2016/10/07/On-the-Steelers-Signature-defense-a-thing-of-past/stories/201610070109|access-date=December 30, 2016|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=October 6, 2016|archive-date=October 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012223334/http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2016/10/07/On-the-Steelers-Signature-defense-a-thing-of-past/stories/201610070109|url-status=live}}</ref>