Open main menu
Home
Random
Recent changes
Special pages
Community portal
Preferences
About Wikipedia
Disclaimers
Incubator escapee wiki
Search
User menu
Talk
Dark mode
Contributions
Create account
Log in
Editing
Joe Greene
Warning:
You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you
log in
or
create an account
, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.
Anti-spam check. Do
not
fill this in!
{{Short description|American football player and coach (born 1946)}} {{other people|Joe Greene|Joseph Greene (disambiguation)}} {{good article}} {{Use American English|date=April 2020}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}} {{Infobox NFL biography | name = Joe Greene | image = Mean Joe Greene 1975.JPG | alt = A man with an Afro and a beard in a black football uniform with 75 written in white | caption = Greene with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1975 | position = [[Defensive tackle]] | number = 75 | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1946|9|24|mf=y}} | birth_place = [[Elgin, Texas]], U.S. | death_date = | death_place = | high_school = [[Dunbar High School (Temple, Texas)|Dunbar]] {{avoid wrap|(Temple, Texas)}} | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 4 | weight_lbs = 275 | draftyear = 1969 | draftround = 1 | draftpick = 4 | college = [[North Texas Mean Green football|North Texas State]] (1966–1968) | pastteams = * [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] ({{NFL Year|1969|1981}}) | pastcoaching = * Pittsburgh Steelers ({{NFL Year|1987|1991}}) <br> Defensive line coach * [[Miami Dolphins]] (1991–{{NFL Year|1995}}) <br> Defensive line coach * [[Arizona Cardinals]] ({{NFL Year|1996|2003}}) <br> Assistant coach | highlights = ; As a player * 4× [[List of Super Bowl champions|Super Bowl champion]] ([[Super Bowl IX|IX]], [[Super Bowl X|X]], [[Super Bowl XIII|XIII]], [[Super Bowl XIV|XIV]]) * 2× [[AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year|NFL Defensive Player of the Year]] (1972, 1974) * [[NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year]] (1969) * [[Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year|NFL Man of the Year]] (1979) * 5× First-team [[All-Pro]] ([[1972 All-Pro Team|1972]]–[[1974 All-Pro Team|1974]], [[1977 All-Pro Team|1977]], [[1979 All-Pro Team|1979]]) * 3× Second-team All-Pro ([[1971 All-Pro Team|1971]], [[1975 All-Pro Team|1975]], [[1976 All-Pro Team|1976]]) * 10× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[1970 Pro Bowl|1969]]–[[1977 Pro Bowl|1976]], [[1979 Pro Bowl|1978]], [[1980 Pro Bowl|1979]]) * [[NFL 1970s All-Decade Team]] * [[NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team]] * [[NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team]] * [[Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team]] * [[Pittsburgh Steelers#Hall of Honor|Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor]] * [[Pittsburgh Steelers#Retired uniform numbers|Pittsburgh Steelers No. 75]] retired * [[Pittsburgh Pro Football Hall of Fame]] * Consensus [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] ([[1968 College Football All-America Team|1968]]) * [[North Texas Mean Green football#Retired numbers|North Texas Mean Green No. 75]] retired | statlabel1 = Games played | statvalue1 = 181 | statlabel2 = Games started | statvalue2 = 172 | statlabel3 = [[Fumble]] recoveries | statvalue3 = 16 | statlabel4 = [[Interception]]s | statvalue4 = 1 | statlabel5 = [[Quarterback sack|Sacks]] | statvalue5 = 77.5 | pfr = GreeJo02 | HOF = joe-greene | CollegeHOF = 1858 }} '''Charles Edward Greene''' (born September 24, 1946), better known as "'''Mean'''" '''Joe Greene''', is an American former professional [[American football|football]] [[defensive tackle]] who played for the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL) from 1969 to 1981. A recipient of two [[AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year|NFL Defensive Player of the Year]] awards, five first-team [[All-Pro]] selections, and ten [[Pro Bowl]] appearances, Greene is widely considered to be one of the greatest defensive linemen to play in the NFL. He was noted for his leadership, fierce competitiveness, and intimidating style of play for which he earned his nickname. Born and raised in [[Temple, Texas]], Greene attended North Texas State University—now [[University of North Texas]]—where he earned consensus [[College Football All-America Team|All-America]] honors as a senior playing for the [[North Texas State Mean Green football|North Texas State Eagles]]. He was selected by the Steelers fourth overall in the [[1969 NFL draft]] and made an immediate impact with the team, as he was named the NFL's [[NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year|Defensive Rookie of the Year]]. Greene is credited with providing the foundation upon which Steelers coach [[Chuck Noll]] turned the dismal franchise into a [[Dynasty (sports)|sports dynasty]]. He was the centerpiece of the "[[Steel Curtain]]" defense that led Pittsburgh to four [[Super Bowl]] championships in a six-year span. Throughout his career, Greene was one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL, able to overpower opposing [[Lineman (gridiron football)#Offensive line|offensive linemen]] with ease and disrupt blocking. Former teammate [[Andy Russell (American football)|Andy Russell]] called Greene "unquestionably the NFL's best player in the seventies". He is a member of the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] and the [[College Football Hall of Fame]], and his number 75 jersey is one of only three [[retired number|retired]] by the Steelers. Greene is also well known for his appearance in the "[[Hey Kid, Catch!]]" [[Coca-Cola]] commercial, which aired during [[Super Bowl XIV]] and solidified his reputation as a "tough football player who's a nice guy".<ref name=Emery>{{cite news|last1=Emery|first1=Mark|title=NFL legend 'Mean Joe' Greene reunited with co-star from classic 1979 Coke commercial|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/joe-greene-reunited-costar-classic-coke-ad-article-1.2512868|access-date=November 11, 2016|work=New York Daily News|date=January 28, 2016|archive-date=November 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112025952/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/joe-greene-reunited-costar-classic-coke-ad-article-1.2512868|url-status=live}}</ref> ==Early life and college== Charles Edward Greene was born September 24, 1946, in [[Elgin, Texas]]. He played high school football at [[Temple Independent School District|Dunbar High School]] in Temple. Despite Greene's talents, the Dunbar Panthers had a mediocre record, and he was not heavily [[College recruiting|recruited]] by colleges. His options were limited further due to segregation of the [[Southwest Conference]].{{citation needed|date=August 2022}} He was eventually offered a scholarship to play college football at North Texas State University (now [[University of North Texas]]), where he played for [[Odus Mitchell]] on the varsity team from 1966 to 1968. In the three seasons he played on the squad, they had a 23–15–1 record. With a per-carry average of less than two yards in his 39 games at defensive tackle, North Texas State limited the opposition to 2,507 yards on 1,276 rushes. Greene was a three-time All-[[Missouri Valley Conference]] selection.<ref name=UNT>{{cite web|title=Legends of the Mean Green: Joe Greene No. 75|url=https://exhibits.library.unt.edu/legends-mean-green/joe-greene-75|publisher=University of North Texas Libraries|access-date=November 11, 2016|archive-date=November 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111123036/https://exhibits.library.unt.edu/legends-mean-green/joe-greene-75|url-status=live}}</ref> In his junior season Greene married Agnes Craft, also a student at North Texas State and the daughter of a Dallas businessman.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}} Tight on money, they were wed at Craft's sister's house in Dallas. [[Chuck Beatty]], Greene's teammate at North Texas and later again in the NFL with the Steelers, served as [[best man]].<ref>Pomerantz 2014, pp. 68–69</ref> As a senior, Greene was a consensus pick as a defensive tackle for the [[1968 College Football All-America Team|1968 All-America team]], earning first-team honors from [[United Press International]] (UPI), the [[Newspaper Enterprise Association]], and ''[[The Sporting News]]'', among others.<ref>{{cite news|title=Joe Greene Is Named All-American|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11303269/joe_greene_is_named_allamerican/|access-date=May 28, 2017|work=Denton Record-Chronicle|date=November 26, 1968|page=8|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=August 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827000223/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11303269/joe_greene_is_named_allamerican/|url-status=live}}</ref> His college coach, [[Rod Rust]], said of Greene: "There are two factors behind Joe's success. First, he has the ability to make the big defensive play and turn the tempo of a game around. Second, he has the speed to be an excellent pursuit player." A pro scout said, "He's tough and mean and comes to hit people. He has good killer instincts. He's mobile and hostile."<ref name=CFHOF>{{cite web|url={{College Football HoF/url|id=1858}}|title=Joe Greene College Football Hall of Fame bio|publisher=National Football Foundation|access-date=December 30, 2016}}</ref> ==Nickname== While sources agree the name is a reference to North Texas' athletics teams, the Mean Green,<ref name=Myerberg>{{cite news|last1=Myerberg|first1=Paul|title=Which nickname came first at North Texas? 'Mean Joe' Greene or Mean Green?|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/08/mean-green-mean-joe-green-nickname-origins|access-date=October 27, 2016|work=USA Today|date=August 15, 2015|quote=But we can put one misguided theory to rest right here: The North Texas Mean Green are not, in fact, named in honor of 'Mean Joe' Greene|archive-date=October 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028151934/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/08/mean-green-mean-joe-green-nickname-origins|url-status=live}}.</ref><ref name=Sarasota>{{cite news|title='Mean Joe' Doesn't Like His Nickname|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IrEqAAAAIBAJ&pg=2246%2C3044774|access-date=October 27, 2016|work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune|agency=Associated Press|date=January 8, 1975|page=3-C|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423193134/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IrEqAAAAIBAJ&pg=2246%2C3044774|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Pomerantz66>Pomerantz 2014, p. 66.</ref> there are conflicting accounts as to how, when, and why Greene received his "Mean Greene" nickname. When he first arrived at North Texas, the university's moniker was the Eagles. In 1966, Greene's first year on the varsity team, the team adopted the "Mean Green" moniker. Two possible origins of the nickname are two separate cheers that supposedly developed independently during North Texas' 1966 game against [[UTEP Miners football|UTEP]]. One cheer was by Sidney Sue Graham, wife of the North Texas sports information director. In response to a tackle by Greene, she blurted out, "That's the way, Mean Greene!"<ref name="Coleman">{{cite web|last1=Coleman|first1=Rufus|title=How Our Green Got Mean|url=http://northtexan.unt.edu/archives/w04/mean.htm|publisher=The North Texan|access-date=October 27, 2016|archive-date=October 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028084223/http://northtexan.unt.edu/archives/w04/mean.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Bill Mercer]], former North Texas play-by-play announcer, states Graham's thought behind the nickname was the Mean Green defense.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ehsan|first1=Azad|title=Looking back at a century of Mean Green|url=http://ntdaily.com/looking-back-at-a-century-of-mean-green/|access-date=October 27, 2016|work=North Texas Daily|date=September 5, 2013|archive-date=October 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028152113/http://ntdaily.com/looking-back-at-a-century-of-mean-green/|url-status=live}}</ref> Meanwhile, in the student section, North Texas basketball players [[Willie Davis (basketball)|Willie Davis]] and Ira Daniels, unsatisfied with the unenthusiastic crowd, began to sing, "Mean Green, you look so good to me". The rest of the crowd soon followed. "After that we did it every game," Davis said. "A lot of people later on started associating it with Joe because his last name was Greene, but it actually started with that simple chant that Saturday night at [[Fouts Field]]. And that's the truth."<ref name=Coleman/> Although it stuck with him throughout his professional career due to his playing style, Greene himself was not fond of the nickname, insisting it did not reflect his true character.<ref name=Sarasota/> "I just want people to remember me as being a good player and not really mean," he said. "I want to be remembered for playing 13 years and contributing to four championship teams. I would like to be remembered for maybe setting a standard for others to achieve."<ref name=HOF/> As for the “Joe” part of his nickname (since his given name was Charles, not Joseph), that came from one of his aunts.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Joe Greene turns 75: Six amazing facts about the Steelers' greatest player of all-time|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/joe-greene-turns-75-six-amazing-facts-about-the-steelers-greatest-player-of-all-time/|access-date=2021-11-09|website=CBSSports.com|language=en}}</ref> During a 2014 interview with NFL Films, Greene said that his aunt nicknamed him Joe due to his resemblance to boxing legend Joe Louis, who at the time of Greene's birth was in the middle of his 12-year reign as heavyweight champion. "She thought I was hefty and bulky enough to be called Joe Louis," Greene said. "She started calling me Joe, and it kind of stuck."<ref name=":0" /> ==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> ==NFL career statistics== {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" ! colspan="2"| Legend |- | style="background:#00ffff; width:3em;"| | [[NFL Defensive Player of the Year]] |- | style="background:#afe6ba; width:3em;"| | Won the [[Super Bowl]] |- | '''Bold''' | Career high |} ===Regular season=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! rowspan="2"| Year ! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! rowspan="2"| Sacks ! colspan="2"| Fumbles ! colspan="2"| Interceptions |- ! {{abbr|GP|Games played}} !! {{abbr|GS|Games started}} !! {{abbr|FR|Fumble recoveries}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Fumble return yards}} !! {{abbr|Int|Interceptions}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Interception return yards}} |- ! [[1969 NFL season|1969]] || [[1969 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]] | 14 || 14 || 9.5 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! [[1970 NFL season|1970]] || [[1970 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]] | 14 || 14 || 8.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! [[1971 NFL season|1971]] || [[1971 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]] | 14 || 14 || 5.5 || 3 || '''7''' || 0 || 0 |- ! style="background:#00ffff"|[[1972 NFL season|1972]] || [[1972 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]] | 14 || 14 || '''11.0''' || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! [[1973 NFL season|1973]] || [[1973 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]] | 14 || 13 || 4.0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! style="background:#00ffff"|[[1974 NFL season|1974]] || style="background:#afe6ba"|[[1974 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]] | 14 || 14 || 9.0 || 4 || 3 || '''1''' || '''26''' |- ! [[1975 NFL season|1975]] || style="background:#afe6ba"|[[1975 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]] | 10 || 9 || 3.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! [[1976 NFL season|1976]] || [[1976 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]] | 14 || 14 || 6.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! [[1977 NFL season|1977]] || [[1977 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]] | 13 || 13 || 4.0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! [[1978 NFL season|1978]] || style="background:#afe6ba"|[[1978 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]] | 16 || 16 || 4.5 || '''5''' || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! [[1979 NFL season|1979]] || style="background:#afe6ba"|[[1979 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]] | 15 || 15 || 5.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! [[1980 NFL season|1980]] || [[1980 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]] | 15 || 15 || 3.5 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! [[1981 NFL season|1981]] || [[1981 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]] | 14 || 7 || 4.5 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! colspan="2" | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GreeJo02.htm Career] || 181 || 172 || 77.5 || 16 || 10 || 1 || 26 |} ===Postseason=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! rowspan="2"| Year ! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! rowspan="2"| Sacks ! colspan="1"| Fumbles ! colspan="2"| Interceptions |- ! {{abbr|GP|Games played}} !! {{abbr|GS|Games started}} !! {{abbr|FR|Fumble recoveries}} !! {{abbr|Int|Interceptions}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Interception return yards}} |- ! style="background:#00ffff"|[[1972–73 NFL playoffs|1972]] || [[1972 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]] | 2 || 2 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! [[1973–74 NFL playoffs|1973]] || [[1973 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]] | 1 || 1 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! style="background:#00ffff"|[[1974–75 NFL playoffs|1974]] || style="background:#afe6ba"|[[1974 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]] | 3 || 3 || 1.0 || '''1''' || '''1''' || '''10''' |- ! [[1975–76 NFL playoffs|1975]] || style="background:#afe6ba"|[[1975 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]] | 2 || 2 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! [[1976–77 NFL playoffs|1976]] || [[1976 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]] | 2 || 2 || 1.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! [[1977–78 NFL playoffs|1977]] || [[1977 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]] | 1 || 1 || 0.0 || '''1''' || 0 || 0 |- ! [[1978–79 NFL playoffs|1978]] || style="background:#afe6ba"|[[1978 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]] | 3 || 3 || '''4.0''' || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! [[1979–80 NFL playoffs|1979]] || style="background:#afe6ba"|[[1979 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]] | 3 || 3 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! colspan="2" | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GreeJo02/gamelog/post/ Career] || 17 || 17 || 7.0 || 2 || 1 || 10 |} ==Attitude and playing style== {{blockquote|quote=He's tough and mean and comes to hit people. He has good killer instincts. He's mobile and hostile.<ref name=CFHOF/>}} Greene's nickname remained popular due to his exploits on the playing field, where he was described as ferocious and intimidating.<ref name=Wexell82/><ref>{{cite news|title=75. DT Joe Greene (Steelers, IX, X, XIII, XIV)|url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/the-list/sfl-100-super-bowl-stars-by-jersey-number-2015-076-photo.html|access-date=November 3, 2016|work=Sun-Sentinel|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=November 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104010731/http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/the-list/sfl-100-super-bowl-stars-by-jersey-number-2015-076-photo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He instilled fear in opponents with the intensity of his play. In a 1979 game against the [[1979 Houston Oilers season|Houston Oilers]], with only seconds remaining and Houston leading 20–17, the Oilers lined up near the Pittsburgh goal line to run their final play. With victory already assured for the Oilers, Greene pointed angrily across the line of scrimmage at Houston quarterback [[Dan Pastorini]], warning, "If you come into the end zone, I'll beat the crap out of you! I'm gonna kill you!" Pastorini responded by [[Quarterback kneel|taking a knee]], ending the game. Afterward, Greene laughed and said, "I knew you weren't going to do it."<ref name=Pomerantz239/> In his early years with the Steelers, Greene was at times uncontrollable, and often let his temper get the best of him. On one occasion during a [[1975 Pittsburgh Steelers season|1975]] game against the [[Browns–Steelers rivalry|rival]] [[Cleveland Browns]] at [[Cleveland Stadium|Cleveland Municipal Stadium]], Greene repeatedly kicked Browns lineman [[Bob McKay]] in the groin while McKay was lying on the ground.<ref name=Pomerantz239>Pomerantz 2014, p. 239.</ref><ref>Schudel, Jeff (September 14, 2008). [https://web.archive.org/web/20120218215807/http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2008/09/14/sports/doc48cc8d241031f428316969.txt Rivalry makes turn to primetime]. ''The Morning Journal''. Retrieved November 3, 2016.</ref> He also punched [[Denver Broncos]] [[Offensive guard|guard]] [[Paul Howard (American football)|Paul Howard]] and spat at quarterback [[Fran Tarkenton]],<ref name=Anderson/> and he frequently clashed with officials.<ref name=Russell/><ref name=Pomerantz239/> Greene and middle [[linebacker]] [[Jack Lambert (American football)|Jack Lambert]] became the emotional leaders of Pittsburgh's defensive squad. Greene was described as a huge presence both on and off the field.<ref name=Freedman83/> Joe Gordon of the Steelers front office recalled an instance in which a teammate was loudly voicing his discontent over the long and cold practice they had just gone through as he yanked off his equipment. At a nearby locker, Greene lifted his head and silently glared at him. "Believe me, that's all Joe did, he never even said anything," said Gordon. "I don't think the other players saw Joe glare at him. I think the other player just felt it, and then he sat down and never said another word."<ref name=Anderson>{{cite news|last1=Anderson|first1=Dave|title=More Than Just Mean|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/02/16/sports/by-sports-of-the-times-more-than-just-mean.html|access-date=November 3, 2016|work=The New York Times|date=February 16, 1982|archive-date=November 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104013521/http://www.nytimes.com/1982/02/16/sports/by-sports-of-the-times-more-than-just-mean.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A natural leader, Greene was named the captain of the defense in 1977.<ref name=HOF/><ref name=Afro>{{cite news|title=Steelers' Joe Greene retires after 13 years|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2211&dat=19820220&id=XiImAAAAIBAJ&pg=3926,785075|access-date=November 2, 2016|work=The Afro-American|agency=United Press International|date=February 20, 1982|page=9|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423193224/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2211&dat=19820220&id=XiImAAAAIBAJ&pg=3926%2C785075|url-status=live}}</ref> His leadership was also channeled to the offense; [[Lynn Swann]], a [[wide receiver]], considered Greene a mentor. "If you were giving less than 100 percent, he let you know one way or the other," said Swann.<ref name=Anderson/> ==Acting career== ===Coca-Cola commercial=== {{main|Hey Kid, Catch!}} Greene appeared in a famous commercial for [[Coca-Cola]] that debuted on October 1, 1979, and was aired during [[Super Bowl XIV]] on January 20, 1980. The ad won a [[Clio Award]] in 1980 for being one of the best commercials of 1979.<ref>Shontell, Alyson (January 18, 2011) [http://www.businessinsider.com/the-10-best-award-winning-tv-ads-everyone-must-see-2011-1?op=1 "The 10 Best Award-Winning TV Ads Everyone Must See"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110404040234/http://www.businessinsider.com/the-10-best-award-winning-tv-ads-everyone-must-see-2011-1?op=1 |date=April 4, 2011 }}. ''Business Insider''</ref> It is widely considered to be one of the best television commercials of all time.<ref>{{cite news|author=Fowler, Scott|work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]|date=February 23, 1992|title=Take it from Mean Joe: Famous ad wasn't easy}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/ccmphtml/colahist.html |title=Highlights in the History of Coca-Cola Television Advertising |last1=Mooney |first1=Philip |last2=Ryan |first2=Ted |last3=Nash |first3=Helen |date=November 29, 2000 |publisher=Library of Congress |access-date=November 10, 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308123331/http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/ccmphtml/colahist.html |archive-date=March 8, 2010 }}</ref> The commercial helped shift the public's perception of Greene as hostile and unapproachable, to a soft-hearted "nice guy".<ref name=Emery/><ref name=Afro/> ===Other roles=== While most well known for the Coca-Cola commercial, Greene has acted in other roles. One of his first acting roles was in ''[[The Black Six]]'', a [[blaxploitation]] film starring other NFL players including fellow Hall of Famers [[Lem Barney]], [[Willie Lanier]], and [[Carl Eller]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Butters |first1=Gerald R. |title=From Sweetback to Super Fly: Race and Film Audiences in Chicago's Loop |date=2016 |publisher=University of Missouri Press |isbn=978-0826273291 |page=104 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QmxxDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA104 |access-date=August 25, 2018 |archive-date=April 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423193222/https://books.google.com/books?id=QmxxDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA104 |url-status=live }}</ref> Greene also played himself in the movie ''[[...All The Marbles]]'', a [[Television film|TV movie]] on teammate [[Rocky Bleier]], titled ''[[Fighting Back: The Rocky Bleier Story]]'', and in ''[[Smokey and the Bandit II]]'', in which he was ordered to "tackle that car" by Terry Bradshaw when Sherriff Buford T. Justice, played by [[Jackie Gleason]], was in pursuit of [[Burt Reynolds]]' "Bandit". Greene then went and "tackled" Justice's patrol car, turning it completely over. ==Coaching career and later life== After retiring from the NFL, Greene spent one year, 1982, as a [[color analyst]] for ''[[NFL on CBS]]'' before becoming an assistant coach under Steelers' head coach [[Chuck Noll]] in 1987. He spent the next 16 years as an assistant coach with the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] (1987–1991), [[Miami Dolphins]] (1991–1995), and [[Arizona Cardinals]] (1996–2003).<ref name=SI>{{cite magazine|title=Pittsburgh Steelers to retire Joe Greene's No. 75 jersey|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2014/07/30/pittsburgh-steelers-retire-joe-greene-75|access-date=November 11, 2016|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=July 30, 2014|archive-date=November 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111123009/http://www.si.com/nfl/2014/07/30/pittsburgh-steelers-retire-joe-greene-75|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2004, he retired from coaching and was named the special assistant for player personnel for the Steelers. In this position, he earned his fifth Super Bowl ring after the Steelers won [[Super Bowl XL]]. When asked how it felt to finally win "one for the thumb", he replied, "That's all utter nonsense. It's one for the right hand. It's one for ''this'' group, for ''this'' team."<ref name=Wexell79>Wexell 2006, p. 79.</ref> He earned a sixth ring from [[Super Bowl XLIII]]. Greene is one of four people outside the [[Rooney family]] to have Super Bowl rings from the first six championship seasons. He retired from his position in the Steelers front office in 2013.<ref name="retire3">{{cite news|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/steelers/steelers-legend-joe-greene-retires-from-front-office-job-686511/|title=Steelers legend Joe Greene retires from front office job|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|access-date=May 6, 2013|first=Ed|last=Bouchette|date=May 7, 2013|archive-date=May 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507012824/http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/steelers/steelers-legend-joe-greene-retires-from-front-office-job-686511/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014, Greene was the subject of an episode of the [[NFL Network]] documentary series ''[[A Football Life]]'', which chronicled his life and career.<ref name=Waits>{{cite news|last1=Waits|first1=Tim|title=Film returns 'Mean' Joe Greene to spotlight|url=http://www.tdtnews.com/sports/article_00bc8794-46c8-11e4-9a8b-001a4bcf6878.html|access-date=December 30, 2016|work=Temple Daily Telegram|date=September 28, 2014|archive-date=January 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126210958/https://www.tdtnews.com/sports/article_00bc8794-46c8-11e4-9a8b-001a4bcf6878.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2024, he resides in [[Flower Mound, Texas]]. His wife of 47 years, Agnes, with whom he had three children, died in 2015.<ref name=Starkey>{{cite news|last1=Starkey|first1=Joe|title=Joe Starkey: Joe Greene reflects on life, loss and the Cowboys|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/joe-starkey/2016/11/11/Joe-Starkey-Joe-Greene-reflects-on-life-loss-and-the-Cowboys/stories/201611110088|access-date=December 30, 2016|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=November 11, 2016|archive-date=December 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231081458/http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/joe-starkey/2016/11/11/Joe-Starkey-Joe-Greene-reflects-on-life-loss-and-the-Cowboys/stories/201611110088|url-status=live}}</ref> He has since remarried to Charlotte Greene. Greene is known as "Papa Joe" to his seven grandchildren.<ref name=Waits/><ref name=Fittipaldo>{{cite news|last1=Fittipaldo|first1=Ray|title='Completely overwhelming': Steelers raise curtain on Joe Greene's No. 75|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2014/11/02/Jersey-retirement-brings-out-the-emotions-in-Mean-Joe-Greene/stories/201411020265|access-date=October 29, 2016|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=November 2, 2014|archive-date=August 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805143258/http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2014/11/02/Jersey-retirement-brings-out-the-emotions-in-Mean-Joe-Greene/stories/201411020265|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, Greene released an autobiography entitled ''Mean Joe Greene: Built by Football''.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kapp|first1=Joe|title=Steelers Hall Of Famer Joe Greene Would Have Said Goodbye To Antonio Brown|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/steelers-hall-of-famer-joe-greene-would-have-said-goodbye-to-antonio-brown/|access-date=July 25, 2017|publisher=CBS Pittsburgh|date=March 22, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113210924/https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2017/03/22/steelers-hall-of-famer-joe-greene-would-have-said-goodbye-to-antonio-brown/?iframe=true&theme_preview=true%2Famp%2F|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, Greene set up the Agnes Lucille Craft Greene Memorial Scholarship in honor of his late wife. The scholarships are presented annually to students from Texas, whose parents have battled cancer.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Weller|first=Patrick|date=May 24, 2018|title=The Prime Ministers' Craft|journal=Oxford Scholarship Online|volume=1|doi=10.1093/oso/9780199646203.001.0001|isbn=9780199646203}}</ref> ==Legacy== {{quote box|quote=I just want people to remember me as being<br> a good player and not really mean. I want to be<br> remembered for playing 13 years and contributing to<br> four championship teams. I would like to be remembered for maybe setting a standard for others to achieve.<ref name=ProFootballHallofFame>[https://www.profootballhof.com/players/joe-greene/ Joe Greene]</ref>|align=right|width=25em}} Greene is recognized as one of the most dominant players to ever play in the NFL.<ref name=USAtoday>[https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2008-07-05-top-five-defensive-tackles_N.htm Best run stuffer? Finding the best defensive tackle in the NFL] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107160718/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2008-07-05-top-five-defensive-tackles_N.htm |date=January 7, 2012 }}. ''USA Today''. July 5, 2008. Retrieved November 10, 2016.</ref> He is widely considered one of the greatest defensive linemen in league history.<ref name=Augustyn>{{cite web|last1=Augustyn|first1=Adam|title=Joe Greene|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joe-Greene|website=Encyclopædia Britannica|access-date=November 15, 2016|archive-date=November 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116022352/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joe-Greene|url-status=live}}</ref> His durability allowed him to play in 181 of a possible 190 games, including a streak of 91 straight to begin his career.<ref name=HOF/> The Steel Curtain defense is consistently ranked among the top defensive groups of all time. As of the death of L. C. Greenwood in September 2013, Greene is the last surviving member of the Steel Curtain.<ref name=Pompeani/> ===Post-career honors=== * In 1984, Greene was enshrined in the [[College Football Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Eleven join Hall of Fame|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=860&dat=19840213&id=4plUAAAAIBAJ&pg=1874,4265769|access-date=November 10, 2016|work=Ellensburg Daily Record|agency=United Press International|date=February 13, 1984|page=10|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423193147/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=860&dat=19840213&id=4plUAAAAIBAJ&pg=1874%2C4265769|url-status=live}}</ref> He is the only former UNT player so honored. * His number 75 jersey is retired by the North Texas football team, and he was inducted into the UNT Hall of Fame in 1981.<ref name=UNT/> * He was inducted into the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] in 1987, a class which also included [[Larry Csonka]], [[Len Dawson]], [[Jim Langer]], [[Don Maynard]], [[Gene Upshaw]], and [[John Henry Johnson]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1987 Pro Football Hall of Fame Ballot|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/hof/1987-ballot.htm|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=November 10, 2016|archive-date=September 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928234225/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/hof/1987-ballot.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> * The Hall of Fame Selection Committee named Greene to the [[NFL 1970s All-Decade Team]], honoring the best players of the decade. In 1994, he was selected by a 15-person panel of NFL and Pro Football Hall of Fame officials, former players, and media representatives to the [[NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team]] as one of the greatest players of the NFL's first 75 years.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Very Best of the NFL|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=August 24, 1994|page=1D|access-date=November 10, 2016|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6818249/the_very_best_of_the_nfl/|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=October 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002110233/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6818249/the_very_best_of_the_nfl/|url-status=live}}</ref> * In 1999, Greene was deemed the 14th greatest player of all time by ''[[The Sporting News]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sporting News Top 100 Football Players|newspaper=Democrat and Chronicle|date=August 15, 1999|page=3D|access-date=November 10, 2016|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4376402/sporting_news_top_100_football_players/|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116023025/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4376402/sporting_news_top_100_football_players/|url-status=live}}</ref> He was ranked 13th on ''[[The Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players]]'' by the [[NFL Network]] in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players|url=http://top100.nfl.com/|website=NFL.com|access-date=December 9, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101207112244/http://top100.nfl.com/|archive-date=December 7, 2010}}</ref> * Greene is regarded among the greatest players in Steelers franchise history.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Brown|first1=Scott|title=Steelers retire Joe Greene's No. 75|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11812711/pittsburgh-steelers-retire-steel-curtain-icon-joe-greene-jersey-number|access-date=October 29, 2016|work=ESPN.com|date=November 3, 2014|archive-date=October 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029235518/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11812711/pittsburgh-steelers-retire-steel-curtain-icon-joe-greene-jersey-number|url-status=live}}</ref> His number 75 jersey was officially retired at halftime during the Steelers' game against the [[Ravens–Steelers rivalry|rival]] [[Baltimore Ravens]] on November 2, 2014. Greene also briefly wore number 72 during his rookie season before switching to his more familiar 75 mid-season. He is only the third Steeler to have his jersey formally retired, the first being [[Ernie Stautner]]<ref name=Fittipaldo/> and the other being [[Franco Harris]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steelers to retire Franco Harris' No. 32 jersey during halftime of Week 16 matchup vs. Raiders |date=December 21, 2022 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/steelers-to-retire-franco-harris-no-32-jersey-during-halftime-of-week-16-matchup-vs-raiders/}}</ref> However, the Steelers had not reissued No. 75 since Greene's retirement, and it had been understood long before 2014 that no Steeler would ever wear it again.<ref name=SI/> * The University of North Texas, Greene's alma mater, unveiled a statue of him outside of [[Apogee Stadium]] in 2018. Greene is regarded as the most famous alum of UNT.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.cbsnews.com/dfw/news/statue-unveiled-unt-legend-mean-joe-greene/| title=Statue Unveiled for UNT Legend Mean Joe Greene| website=[[CBS News]]| date=2018-09-29| access-date=October 17, 2018| archive-date=October 18, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018003157/https://dfw.cbslocal.com/2018/09/29/statue-unveiled-unt-legend-mean-joe-greene/| url-status=live}}</ref> * In 2015, the Mean Joe Greene Community Football Field was dedicated in Greene's honor in his hometown of [[Temple, Texas]].<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.templetx.gov/2358/Mean-Joe-Greene-Football-Field| title=Mean Joe Green Community Football Field| access-date=September 2, 2019| archive-date=September 2, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902043902/https://www.templetx.gov/2358/Mean-Joe-Greene-Football-Field| url-status=live}}</ref> * In 2019, Greene was named to the [[NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team]] as one of the greatest players of the NFL's first 100 years.<ref>{{cite news|title=Steelers legend Joe Greene is first defensive player named to NFL's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team|newspaper=CBS Sports|date=November 29, 2019|access-date=June 1, 2020|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/steelers-legend-joe-greene-is-first-defensive-player-named-to-nfls-100th-anniversary-all-time-team/|archive-date=April 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410024605/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/steelers-legend-joe-greene-is-first-defensive-player-named-to-nfls-100th-anniversary-all-time-team/|url-status=live}}</ref> ==Notes and references== {{Notelist}} {{Reflist|30em}} ===Bibliography=== * {{cite book|last1=Freedman|first1=Lew|last2=Hoak|first2=Dick|author1-link=Lew Freedman|author2-link=Dick Hoak|title=Pittsburgh Steelers: The Complete Illustrated History|date=2009|publisher=MBI Publishing Company LLC|isbn=978-0760336458|edition=illustrated}} * {{cite book|last1=Millman|first1=Chad|last2=Coyne|first2=Shawn|title=The Ones Who Hit the Hardest: The Steelers, the Cowboys, the '70s, and the Fight for America's Soul|date=2010|publisher=Penguin|isbn=978-1101459935}} * {{cite book|last1=Pomerantz|first1=Gary M.|author1-link=Gary Pomerantz|title=Their Life's Work: The Brotherhood of the 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers|date=2014|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-1451691634|edition=illustrated, reprint}} * {{cite book|last1=Wexell|first1=Jim|title=Pittsburgh Steelers: Men of Steel|date=2006|publisher=Sports Publishing LLC|isbn=978-1582619965|edition=illustrated}} * {{cite book|last1=Wexell|first1=Jim|last2=Mendelson|first2=Abby|last3=Aretha|first3=David|title=The Steelers Experience: A Year-by-Year Chronicle of the Pittsburgh Steelers|date=2014|publisher=MVP Books|isbn=978-0760345764|edition=illustrated}} ==External links== {{commons category}} * {{Football stats|pfr=GreeJo02}} * {{official website|http://meanjoegreene75.com/}} * {{Profootballhof|id=80|name=Joe Greene}} * {{cfbhof|id=1858|name=Joe Greene}} {{Navboxes | title = Joe Greene—awards, championships, and honors | list1 = {{1968 College Football Consensus All-Americans}} {{1969 NFL Draft}} {{SteelersFirstPick}} {{Steelers1969DraftPicks}} {{AP Defensive Rookies of the Year}} {{NFL DPOYs}} {{Walter Payton Man of the Year Award}} {{Super Bowl IX}} {{Super Bowl X}} {{Super Bowl XIII}} {{Super Bowl XIV}} {{NFL1970s}} {{NFL75}} {{NFL100}} {{Pittsburgh Steelers}} {{Pittsburgh Steelers 50th season All-Time team}} {{Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team}} {{Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor}} {{Pittsburgh Steelers retired numbers}} {{1987 Football HOF}} {{Pro Football Hall of Fame members}} {{Walter Camp Alumni of the Year}} }} {{authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Greene, Joe}} [[Category:1946 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Players of American football from Temple, Texas]] [[Category:All-American college football players]] [[Category:American Conference Pro Bowl players]] [[Category:American male film actors]] [[Category:American football defensive tackles]] [[Category:American male television actors]] [[Category:Arizona Cardinals coaches]] [[Category:College Football Hall of Fame inductees]] [[Category:Eastern Conference Pro Bowl players]] [[Category:Miami Dolphins coaches]] [[Category:NFL announcers]] [[Category:NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year winners]] [[Category:North Texas Mean Green football players]] [[Category:Players of American football from Duncanville, Texas]] [[Category:Pittsburgh Steelers coaches]] [[Category:Pittsburgh Steelers players]] [[Category:Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees]] [[Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen]] [[Category:20th-century African-American sportsmen]] [[Category:20th-century American sportsmen]] [[Category:NFL Defensive Player of the Year winners]] [[Category:NFL players with retired numbers]]
Edit summary
(Briefly describe your changes)
By publishing changes, you agree to the
Terms of Use
, and you irrevocably agree to release your contribution under the
CC BY-SA 4.0 License
and the
GFDL
. You agree that a hyperlink or URL is sufficient attribution under the Creative Commons license.
Cancel
Editing help
(opens in new window)
Pages transcluded onto the current version of this page
(
help
)
:
Template:Abbr
(
edit
)
Template:Authority control
(
edit
)
Template:Blockquote
(
edit
)
Template:Cfbhof
(
edit
)
Template:Citation needed
(
edit
)
Template:Cite book
(
edit
)
Template:Cite journal
(
edit
)
Template:Cite magazine
(
edit
)
Template:Cite news
(
edit
)
Template:Cite web
(
edit
)
Template:Comma separated entries
(
edit
)
Template:Commons category
(
edit
)
Template:Football stats
(
edit
)
Template:Good article
(
edit
)
Template:Infobox NFL biography
(
edit
)
Template:Main
(
edit
)
Template:Main other
(
edit
)
Template:Navboxes
(
edit
)
Template:Notelist
(
edit
)
Template:Official website
(
edit
)
Template:Other people
(
edit
)
Template:Profootballhof
(
edit
)
Template:Quote box
(
edit
)
Template:Reflist
(
edit
)
Template:Short description
(
edit
)
Template:Sister project
(
edit
)
Template:Trim
(
edit
)
Template:Use American English
(
edit
)
Template:Use mdy dates
(
edit
)
Template:Webarchive
(
edit
)