Joe Greene

Charles Edward Greene, born September 24, 1946, was an American professional football defensive tackle who played his entire career with the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League from 1969 to 1981. Known as "Mean" Joe Greene, he earned the nickname for his leadership, fierce competitiveness, and intimidating style of play.

Greene was born and raised in Temple, Texas. He attended North Texas State University, now the University of North Texas, where he earned consensus All-America honors as a senior playing for the North Texas State Eagles. The Steelers selected him fourth overall in the 1969 NFL draft, and he made an immediate impact, named the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year.

He is credited with providing the foundation upon which Steelers coach Chuck Noll turned the franchise into a sustained winner. Greene was the centerpiece of the "Steel Curtain" defense that led Pittsburgh to four Super Bowl championships.

Over his career, Greene received two NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, five first-team All-Pro selections, and ten Pro Bowl appearances. He is widely regarded as one of the finest defensive linemen of his era.