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MJ
American Football Biography

Mean Joe Greene

American · Born 1946

Steel CurtainPittsburgh SteelersFour Super Bowls
Defensive Tackle
10
pro wl

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The anchor of the Steel Curtain — Mean Joe Greene's dominance as a defensive tackle made Pittsburgh's 1970s dynasty possible and earned him two NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Mean Joe Greene was the cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers' dominant Steel Curtain defence that won four Super Bowls in the 1970s. His combination of quickness, power and competitive fury made him the most disruptive interior defensive lineman of his era. He is perhaps as famous for his Coca-Cola commercial — giving his jersey to a young fan — as for his football brilliance.

His Coca-Cola commercial — in which he gave his jersey to a young fan — was voted the most popular TV advertisement in American history.

Did You Know?

Career Honours

  • Super Bowl IX X XIII XIV Champion
  • 2x NFL Defensive Player of the Year
  • 10x Pro Bowl