Mean Joe Greene

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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."

In Their Own Story

The Pittsburgh Steelers franchise was one of the most downtrodden in the NFL before the hiring of Chuck Noll in 1969. Noll and the Rooney family agreed that building the defensive line was crucial, so they selected 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. Meanwhile, Greene, who was highly competitive, was disappointed he was picked by a team with such a reputation for losing. "I did not, did not want to be a Steeler," he admitted in a 2013 interview. Despite the team finishing 1969 with a 1–13 record, the Associated Press named Greene the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, and he was invited to his first Pro Bowl. In 1972, Pittsburgh finished 11–3 and won its first division title and its first playoff game—the "Immaculate Reception" game against the Oakland Raiders. During that season, Greene tallied 11 quarterback sacks and 42 solo tackles, earning the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula lauded Greene, saying, "He's just a super super star. It's hard to believe he isn't offside on every play."

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 was not fond of his "Mean" nickname, insisting it did not reflect his true character. He said, "I just want people to remember me as being a good player and not really mean."
• Greene developed a new tactic called the "stunt 4-3," lining up at a sharp angle between the guard and center. His coaches were initially skeptical and did not allow him to try it during the regular season.
• In Super Bowl IX, Greene recorded an interception, forced fumble, and fumble recovery in what is considered one of the greatest individual defensive Super Bowl performances.
• 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.