Mean Joe Greene

Lore & Background

Greene's nickname "Mean" originated from his college days at North Texas State University, where the team adopted the "Mean Green" moniker in 1966. Two separate cheers developed independently during a game against UTEP: one from Sidney Sue Graham, who blurted "That's the way, Mean Greene!" after a tackle, and another from basketball players Willie Davis and Ira Daniels, who started singing "Mean Green, you look so good to me." Despite the nickname sticking throughout his professional career due to his playing style, Greene himself was not fond of it, insisting it did not reflect his true character.

"I just want people to remember me as being a good player and not really mean," he said. The "Joe" part of his nickname came from an aunt who thought he resembled boxing legend Joe Louis. 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."

Reader's Guide

The Steel Curtain Era (1972–1979)

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. Greene won his second AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award after the 1974 season, becoming the first player to receive the award multiple times. That year, he developed a new tactic of lining up at a sharp angle between the guard and center, which he called the "stunt 4-3."

His coaches were at first skeptical and did not allow him to try it during the regular season. He first implemented it against the Buffalo Bills in the division championship game, where it proved highly effective—running back O. J. Simpson managed only 48 yards rushing. The following week, in the AFC championship game against the Oakland Raiders, Greene faced All-Pro center Jim Otto. At one point, consumed by emotions, Greene 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. Oakland was held to 29 rushing yards in the Steelers' 24–13 victory. On January 12, 1975, the Steelers won their first Super Bowl championship by defeating the 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.

Did You Know?

• Greene's given name is Charles Edward Greene, not Joseph. His aunt nicknamed him Joe because she thought he resembled boxing legend Joe Louis.
• Greene married Agnes Craft, also a student at North Texas State, in his junior season. Chuck Beatty, his college teammate and later Steelers teammate, served as best man.