When you think of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the National Football League franchise with the most Super Bowl Championships, you would almost automatically think that they would have the most, or close to the most retired numbers in the NFL. The reality is that they are not even close.
Prior to this weekend, the only number retired was the number 70 of Ernie Stautner, which took place in 1964. This was not to say that the Steelers did not take care of their past stars, and they removed multiple numbers from their circulation, but this Sunday marks the first time that the organization has officially retired a number in fifty years. That man is “Mean” Joe Greene.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and their “Steel Curtain” Defense would win four Super Bowls in the 1970’s. The team was loaded with future Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees; Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Lynn Swann to name a few, but it was their defensive leader who would emerge as the most popular and aptly named.
“Mean” Joe Greene arrived in Pittsburgh as the fourth overall pick in the 1969 out of the University of North Texas. Greene did not disappoint, earning Rookie of the Year honors and earning the first of what would be eleven Pro Bowl appearances. Greene, however entered a culture of losing as the Steelers as Pittsburgh in the 1960’s were not very good which frustrated the young Defensive Tackle, though he would not have to remain upset for long.
Greene would become the cornerstone of the “Steel Curtain” and on their way to winning four Super Bowls, Greene would be named the AP Defensive Player of the Year twice (1972 & 1974), earn five First Team All Pro honors, and would be named to the NFL 75th Anniversary Team and the 1970’s All Decade Team. He would retire in 1981, and enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first year of eligibility.
It is unknown whether the Steelers intend to revisit their uncirculated numbers and retire them officially in the future.
We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate the legendary “Mean” Joe Greene and will be watching his number 75 honored tonight!
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