NFL Power Rankings: 30 Greatest Defensive Players Of All-Time
By Robby Sabo
2. Joe Greene, DT
- Pittsburgh Steelers (1969-81)
- 1972 and 1974 Defensive POY / 1969 Defensive ROY / 1974, 1975, 1978 and 1979 Super Bowl Champion / 5-Time 1st Team All-Pro
Perhaps the only time the public saw “Mean” Joe Greene smile was during that epic Coca-Cola commercial as the little kid tossed a Coke in Joe’s direction.
Maybe that’s because he didn’t need to smile, as his play did all the talk.
Sheer nastiness was the calling card for Greene. Sheer nastiness was the calling card for that Pittsburgh Steelers defense who took home four Super Bowl Championships.
No doubt Greene was rough around the edges. It was this attitude though that helped Greene set a tone for his team he so desperately loved.
Two Defensive Player of the Year awards; four Super Bowl championships; eight Pro Bowls; eight total All-Pro honors; the accolades for “Mean” Joe Greene go on and on.
He was unblockable.
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