'Mean' Joe Greene: A Football Life - Creating a Steelers Dynasty

"A Football Life: Joe Greene" documents how the Steelers underwent a philosphoical overhaul in the 1970s to change their losing ways. The first step for the Steelers was in the 1969 NFL Draft when they selected little known North Texas defensive lineman Joe Greene.

[@k-teamsports1463]

The greatest defensive tackle ever

[@onetwo1392]

Gil brown?

[@colescheig5495]

No

[@conni70]

+K-Team Sports ...no way..

[@riyomori9685]

+K-Team Sports Joe Greene was the greatest football player at any position. There are lots of good QBS and RBs, but few DLs. No one impacted running yards as much. Championship football is running defense, and none better than Joe Greene. Mock draft - you go first, pick anyone but Joe Greene, and I will pick Joe Greene, and then pick a top QB or whatever and have you beat.

[@conni70]

+Riyo Mori ...no fuckin way..Deon Sanders, Jerry Rice and Lawrence Taylor come to mind before Joe Greene..

[@allhailrodgers8023]

Once that banjo kicked it I bursted out laughing. The NFL used to be lit

[@matthewvantassel3075]

I had the exact same reaction

[@AJsmommy1017]

All Hail Rodgers 😂😂😂😂🤣🤣

[@official_brodiejenkins9940]

That was funny af

[@davemeads859]

That nut shot was absolute gold

[@danielelliott95]

I must admit that I teared up. I'm so glad he stayed with them. Now they're considered one of the best defenses in NFL history. I'm so proud to be apart of Steeler Nation no matter what.

[@DevSolar]

36 years and only one play-off game. And since 2017, the team with the most play-off victories, ever. Nice turn-around. I mean, I'm German, and while I like watching the NFL, I am not really "invested" in any of the teams. But I sure like the, let's call it "odor", of the Steelers. And Joe Greene was part of the foundation for that. "You got to deal with us now", indeed.

[@joeheid2776]

Daniel Elliott Not one of the best, THE BEST.

[@mmcneil777]

Mean Joe Green, was tough but likeable. I remember thinking he was a cool player when I was younger. That Coke ad endeared him to a lot of fans and kids watching football. Something about the commercial seemed sincere and really captured what he was all about.

[@crisf7295]

Goddamn they would punch and kick each other 😂😂 now if you do that it's like 9 game suspension with a 1million dollar fine

[@folkerheimfilms5176]

Bring back dirty football!

[@redtaco7960]

@@folkerheimfilms5176 hell yeah

[@Kingbossman-om2jy]

Crisf729 facts

[@joshualabrecque]

But Tb12 will have 18 super bowls

[@michaellaleyan6990]

Unless u the Pats -salty steelers fan

[@InvestBetter.]

Growing up in the early 80's, after his career was all but over, all I knew of Mean Joe Greene was that he was a member of the legendary "Steel Curtain" defense, his iconic Coke commercial.

[@richardlee1972]

Joe Greene brought that mean streak to the Steelers. He is one of the greatest football players of all time.

[@PhilWood82]

_"I know I'm in the way; I'm gonna get this microphone in first!"_ 😆

[@williehardiman6766]

Phil Wood foist

[@lastmansleeping5433]

Followed by, "outta the way my ass..."

[@BigDH28]

BJbobjr hahaha!

[@iiozzyii]

Get out of the way my ass

[@jayadams666]

3:40 he damn near broke his neck

[@idansolon4715]

Damn. How did he not break his neck?

[@herbertxiv2774]

Saint Nick wasn’t the only one who saw that lmao

[@stivib5937]

Wtf

[@tokyo4556]

Saint Nick 3:42

[@AJsmommy1017]

Banks Clifton but he frikin twisted his he 360 angle

[@UncleClaudeSportsandThangs]

Why is Mean Joe Greene the best DT of all time? Greene invented the "stunt 4-3" meaning that he would line up between the guard and center forcing them to double team him which opened up lanes for Jack Lambert and Jack Ham, not to mention rush lanes for Dwight White and L. C. Greenwood. He sacrificed his stats for the good of the team. Pittsburgh not only retired Greene's jersey (never again reissued but officially done in 2013), they in effect retired his position once he retired by switching to a 3-4 defense from the traditional 4-3 that they ran with Mean Joe.

[@DeerArmy]

I didn't read it

[@kwuaniegillison6310]

i did, nice article

[@lisacookman5577]

Claude White

[@Super41772]

Claude White nflgreatesthits

[@davidberger2069]

Excellent point. The Steeler defines was designed to free up the linebackers (especially the MLB) to make tackles. I love the Steeler LB's but, Holmes, Greenwood, Greene and White were the basis of that defence. Ham and Russell were great and of course Shell and Blount but, the Steeler DL 1972-1975 was the greatest possibly ever-top 10 for sure. Dwight White had been in the hospital all SB week with "Prawn-Poisoning". The Steeler line devastated a great Viking OL, White had lost 20 pounds during the week, but he played-got the safety (first score of the game).

[@jeffthewhiff]

I was fortunate to have lived in the Pittsburgh area back in the 1970's when the Steelers won four Super Bowls in six years and especially loved watching Joe and the "Steel Curtain Defense" shut-down the opposing teams.

[@BIGJERRR1]

Growing up, as I still am, during this era, Joe Greene was always a hero to me. He was Mr. Bad & could do no wrong. It seems that there were not many, if any bad plays at all, or not many that Joe did not have something to do with. The guy earned the name of an attitude...and other players despised playing against him. One of the true GREATS OF THE GAME, probably for ever. The game was so much different then, in large part, due to him & the examples that he set. Loved watching him play. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES, JOE. OUR LOVE ALWAYS & FOREVER. I'D STILL LOVE TO MEET YOU...BigJer JerryAllanGuy

[@woodybostic1128]

Totally 💯 agre

[@jeffersonianideal]

In his prime, when Joe Green got his mitts on you, it was like being caught in a bear trap. There was no escape. The only questions were what part of you would make contact with the turf first and how hard you would hit it.

[@James-wk5mj]

Every man who becomes a Pittsburgh steeler should watch this

[@RODDASTEELER932]

No doubt.

[@teammosin9999]

Thank you, Joe Greene! You mean so much to the fans and the city, not to even mention what you mean to your team. You raised the bar so high right as soon as you walked in the door. You stunned us by showing losing was never an option. That bar never lowered an inch, not even to this day. In my mind, you are the greatest Steeler, among so many giants, but it took you to show Pittsburgh the way. We knew we could win Super Bowls with Bradshaw and Harris, but we had no idea how to do it. We had no idea how to be those fans and that city we became. You showed us how. You showed Bradshaw and Harris, the Steel Curtain and the rest how it would be donel. Generations of Steelers after you benefitted from what we learned as a city, as NFL fans and aa team from you and it has never stopped. We owe you everything and we hold you so dear to our hearts in Pittsburgh.

[@Danieldrylie]

"The Steelers had played in just one playoff game, and lost it." Well, that's how that would have to work, isn't it?

[@anhiirr]

call it fooseball science 101 LMAO not gonna lie i had a thorough laugh at that delayed "..........and lost it"

[@Danieldrylie]

@@IanMalcolm-rw5pn You're right, mostly. There were years that had multiple playoff games if there was a tie in either the East and West, but yeah, they could have played one playoff game and won during that era. My bad. (Yes, I had to Google it lol)

[@Danieldrylie]

@@IanMalcolm-rw5pn haha hey, I'm just happy to have a polite back and forth on KZbin for once. Take it easy, man.

[@JayChadwickRugby]

The best 'A Football Life' episode in my opinion. Mean Joe Greene is one heck of a cool dude. 🖤💛

[@josephmcfarland8442]

This one or The Dodger

[@bama539]

Man great memories! I remember them like it was yesterday.

[@robertsalyers1351]

What a Beautiful story of Joe Greene life and career

[@mojojojoslyfoxharris]

Looks to me that Lionel Taylor is the savior of the steel curtain lol

[@annadurbin749]

Pittsburgh is stoll the best team ever. Anna durbin love those steelers goooooo

[@mikepisacreta1364]

Anna Durbin if only we made it to the SB this season

[@michaelbrown2300]

Him and manny Fernandez are the best defensive tackles.Both served for teams who did amazing(dolphins,Steelers) in the ‘70’s

[@reginaldmassey7277]

Michael Brown absolutely, manny was a beast in miami.

[@deGuzman3443]

best DT ever

[@aldixon1977]

+Adam deGuzman: No, that distinction belongs to Alan Page.

[@wyattcarlson244]

John Randle

[@brucelee6834]

Adam deGuzman Aaron Donald gonna overtake him soon

[@haroldmccoy6748]

For those inthe comments section disputing Mean Joe Greene as the goat ,Page never made a significant mpact in a SB ,randle never had a pronounced post season impact ,Donald didn't elevate his defense proficiently enough to compensate for his teams offensive vices when needed in post season. Former sports NFL historian Dr Z refered to Dr tackles like page as being great at one task ,pass rush ,but insufficient as run defenders ,while greats like Mean Joe Greene and Bib lily were complete , multifaceted at both run defense and pass rush . Acknowledge the fact ,Mean Joe Greene didn't play in a system that allowed him free access to exclusively rushing the QB while giving minimal attention to run stopping responsibilities,Greene played in a system that demanded he occupy blockers first and foremost,focused upon run stuffing task ,then went after the QB ,he committed the greatest act a great player must do , sacrifice personal glory for the good of the team . In Pages Randle ,and Donald's system ,Mean Joe Greene would have registered over 100 career QB sacks ,but Pittsburgh wouldn't have captured as many conference or SB championships .Andy Russell stated that from a objective analogy,Mean Joe Greene was the 70's player of the decade . No body ever contemplated for a second stating that about Page ,Randle ,Donald ,,oh yeah Mean Joe Greene captured 2 defensive player of the year awards ,so he's not lacking in individual hardware .Mean Joe Greenes presence helped direct 3 other Steel Curtain members to win defensive player of the year awards ,can Page ,Randle and Donald say that ??? When context is applied Mean Joe Greene or Bob Lily are the goat as DT's .

[@chinobambino1407]

this man is the greatest DT to ever play, dont @me... and he gets even more points because not only did he stand toe to toe w the best guards getting constant blows to his body when football was REALLY football but he stood toe to toe w father time and has won.. for what hes been thru and to not have punchers brain or parkasins makes him undefeated to me

[@tacosdad2194]

The Legendary Lynn Swann......Most Underrated Legendary Wr In NFL History

[@the_t1ny13]

John Stallworth too

[@larrywize]

Drew Pearson was the most underrated receiver

[@kennycarlson9654]

@@the_t1ny13 and cliff branch

[@kennycarlson9654]

@@larrywize cliff branch

[@ytoowbbb8997]

Overrated *

[@purplesword3800]

No team drafted better than the steelers from the late 60s thru the mid 70s or there abouts. One HOFer/perennial pro bowler after another.

[@hughjanus3356]

R.I.P Dan Rooney

[@kenarthur6253]

Joe was the Key to the Steel Curtain. Amazing player!

[@jaycompany4886]

Mean Joe Greene......... the steel curtain, probably the best defense in the history of the NFL. Greene one of the best DT EVER!

[@labard75]

Joe gave college North Texas the name "Mean Green."

[@christophercott8517]

Thats wrong. UNT had been the Mean Green Since about 1955.

[@lilcourtny08]

@@christophercott8517 that isn't true, they went by the eagles until the 60s

[@cityengland7553]

He would of been kicked out nowadays. Nfl was so much better back then

[@davezanin1863]

City England seems like everything was better back then

[@hbachi1]

Yeah. Back when teams could only score 250 points a year, because guys were head hunting. Not like today when teams score 375 points a year, because of health. It's all good, there a like 5 people that want to see a 10 -7 ball game. Stupid fantasy football, making the game exciting with all the scoring. Who wants to see a 24 -31 score???

[@happytroll2477]

john owens exactly I want defense back!!! It pisses me off

[@kylanhasselbring252]

City England yea fr

[@markbarnes578]

Yeah,they was alot of players back then,that would be kick out of the NFL today

[@donoakman1507]

Definitely the best defensive tackle of all time..not just for his ability..but f or the way he changed the steelers..he was the one player that helped turn them into a winner..and intimidated teams

[@ronfroehlich4697]

Mean Joe Green is literally part of the city of Pittsburgh's identity.

[@Alan_Page]

LC Greenwood, Joe Greene, Ernie Holmes, Dwight White. Backed up by Jack Lambert, Jack Ham, and Andy Russell. Yeah that's a pretty good front 7. Too bad they didn't have any star defensive backs to go along with it. Oh yeah Mel Blount, Donnie Shell, Mike Wagner...Jesus what a defense. You'd think they would win with a defensive like that. What? You're saying they won four Super Bowls in six years? Fuck. Ok maybe this team deserves some type of status in football history.

[@roderick9ful]

You forgot about Steelers' hall of fame cornerback Mel Blount, who also played during that same era with Mean Joe Greene and the rest of that cast of greats. Blount was an elite cornerback and ball hawk who at 6'3 and 210 pounds, could cover any wide receiver that ever played. Blount played his entire career with the Steelers from 1970-1983. Blount was an 8-time pro bowler. Then came free safety Donnie Shell in 1974. Shell played also played his entire career with the Steelers from 1974-1987 and was a 4-time pro bowler. The Steelers were loaded with talent in every area of the field and to me, is the greatest NFL team ever assembled. Even their head coach, Chuck Noll, was a hall of famer. There will never be another NFL team better than the Steelers.,

[@BadMoonRising92]

mrrusss they get all the credit they deserve. I think everyone agrees they are the greatest defense of all time. Prime example of how defenses can win championships.

[@solidroadsinternational6522]

Joe is the last one standing. LC, Dwight and Ernie are gone.

[@kdonovan221]

Alan Page I love your sense of humor and your name quite ironic one of the best defensive players ever

[@haroldmccoy6748]

Glenn Edwards who was actually voted the Steelers 1974 team MVP , was a excellent member of the steel curtain defense during his tenure with the team. His SB highlites include his collosal shot on vikings John Gilliam,jettisoning the ball high in the air deep in Steelers territory,where Mel Blount intercepted it, denying the vikings a opportunity to score late in the second qtr ,his game sealing end zone interception vs the cowboys in SB 10 . Robin Cole ,Dennis Dirt Winston, were outstanding compliments for the vaunted steel curtain defense, Cole and Winston both excellent at replacing a Steelers legend ,Cole for retired Andy Russell,and Winston for a injured Ham in SB 14 . Winston and Cole did a splendid job at both ILB and OLB when the need was a necessary,Cole made his only probowl at ILB . JT Thomas and Ron Johnson were excellent stable mates as well . Loren Toews ,Ed Bradley ,astute job at replacing injured Russell and Lambert in SB 9 ,their injuries prevented them from returning ,and the steel curtain still didn't miss a beat .

[@StanleyPitts]

We love you Mean Joe!!!

[@jameskoontz2071]

My all time favorite Pittsburgh Steeler

[@Darkwell0071]

These guys went at it. Round house punches. Line play included punching in the gut to knock the wind out.

[@cmtncmtn5027]

Back then when REAL MEN played REAL FOOTBALL! Love it.

[@SteelLegends]

Honor this warrior of all warriors. Love him!

[@Spacejunk57]

The Vital player of the Steeler Dynasty.

[@Jake-rv8td]

I'd like to point out that the Vikings had one of the best offenses in the league when the Steel Curtain held them to 17 rushing yards and no scores. The Vikings 6 points came from their special teams that blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown. Their offense went for the 2pt conversion and got stopped again. The Best Offense couldn't even get a Field Goal. In 1976 Bradshaw, Mean Joe, Lynn Swann, and several others were injured and they started 1-4. They then won 9 games straight giving up only 2 TDs and 5 FGs Total in those 9 games and had 5 shutouts. They only gave up 138 points in 14 games that season. 8 of the 11 defensive starters made the Pro-Bowl that year. Legendary quarterback Roger Staubach never beat the Steelers in his career, not even in the pre-season. THAT is how dominating the Steelers Defense was. Here's your 1976 starting defense: 1. Mean Joe Greene (DT) invented lining up Off Center and was a 10 time Pro-bowl. 2. Jack Lambert (LB) was the first "Fast" Middle Linebacker. He was only 204lbs his rookie year (1974) but hit like a truck. 3. Jack Ham (LB) was very fast Outside Linebacker that would never be found out of position and is 3rd all time in interceptions for linebackers with 32. 4. Dwight White (DT) scored the first points in that Vikings Superbowl game (Actually the first points the Steelers ever scored in a championship game). He sacked Vikings quarterback for a safety. 5. L.C. Greenwood (DT) sacked Staubach 4 times in Superbowl X. 6. Andy Russell (LB) in 1975 he had a returned Touchdown of 93 yards in a playoff game. The Record at the time. 7. J.T. Thomas (CB) had WRs faking injuries rather than go up against him. Thomas and Blount were named the 6th best Cornerback duo of all time by NFL.com 8. Mike Wagner (Safety) had an interception in Superbowl IX and X. 9. Glen Edwards (Safety) made the interception of Staubach in the endzone as time expired to win Superbowl X. 10. Mel Blount (CB) had to have the NFL make a new rule to stop him. 11. And Ernie Holmes (DT) tried to shoot down a Police Helicopter....No Joke, look it up, it really was a mean defense. Also, Donnie Shell (Safety) retired with 51 interceptions which was the record at the time for Strong Safeties and was the backup to Wagner/Edwards in '76. They didn't win the Superbowl in '76 due to several injuries including Both running backs Harris and Bleier. Could you imagine if they had a healthy team in the playoffs that year?

[@jameseverett5778]

Jake They had a boat load of great players...thanks for the info !

[@Staceyatkinson4496]

50years ago the steelers were reborn with green and noll, look how that turned out, go steelers

[@youtub369]

I want a coke now

[@madeleineguzman5025]

+Mike Breslin hahahaa good one

[@seannixon6059]

I want to do coke

[@RODDASTEELER932]

Loved that commercial.

[@tracythomas122]

Me too!

[@GiantsfanlifeBurgess]

I still remember the coke commercial Mean Joe Greene did with the little boy, & it still brings tears 2 my eyes. He is a legend, no doubt.

[@stewwatkins687]

Imagine Joe Greene, Ndamukong Suh, Lawrence Taylor, Bill Romanowski, Jack Tatum and Ronnie Lott on the same team. That would be a mean dirty ass defense

[@anthonyemanuel1114]

The Greatest.Joe Greene,a Legend,and a really good man,a true class act.GOD BLESS YOU MR.GREEENE.

[@davidberger2069]

Andy Russell's explanation of the fresh green rookie named Greene preparing to get his ass-kicked by Steeler Center and designated team tough-guy Ray Mansfield is certainly one for the ages. Russell recovered a fumble for a very very long touchdown. Greene & the other Steelers say it was the slowest 100 meter run in NFL history. Greene also has said about Rocky's big leaping TD catch at SB XIII, Breene has said you couldn't have fit a deck of cards between his feet and the ground.

[@soysauce6534]

Who else likes hearing from mean players when they get old and friendly. Him and Lawrence Taylor both

[@YaseenKhan-fp7wp]

thanks for sharing my grandfather memory's

[@slat.r]

You're Asian😂

[@elementdoom3633]

kublai khan

[@lifegamechanger8572]

Geez the 1969 nfl draft was like a night club now its a big fancy thing

[@onetwo1392]

Joe green is the definition of a island with legs

[@mrkackerwacker]

more like a COKE machine with legs

[@rasmuspritsberg01]

The music makes everything better

[@bthorn5035]

Early Joe Greene was the most dominant defensive lineman in the history of football. He was a man playing with boys.

[@sportscardinvestors5206]

Rip dan rooney

[@donaldcampbell9219]

I grew up in Pittsburgh and am old enough to remember there 4 Super Bowls. You could feel the city was electric back in the 70’s. 4 Super Bowls in 6 years, good times.

[@harrymiram6621]

Steel Curtain Dee is why am Steelers Nation fan!

[@crossdaboss0289]

RIP Bill Stanfill he was in Joe Greene’s draft class

[@user-pc9oj9ci1r]

0:36 le’veon bell before le’veon bell

[@davidm4160]

Ah....the good ol days

[@jjf1191]

O.J. Simpson in the top of the screen at 0:23 😂

[@timmyeasley]

What's so funny about it?

[@jjf1191]

+Tim Easley Learn your history

[@ari123954]

+Jake F we all know about it... It's just not that humorous

[@jjf1191]

+Ari Nguyen Too fucking bad

[@rogercraigsburner1525]

+Jake F that's because he played Football at that time

[@mvpvip2183]

it was funny watching joe fight browns they needed three men too take down joe

[@MMMHOTCHEEZE]

The most dominant defense ever, no doubt. They were that good for most of the decade. No other "great defense" had the amount of success over the same amount of time. The only other defense that comes to mind is the 2000~2011 Ravens (so consistent but not as dominant in my eyes)

[@jeffiejones2513]

Awesome

[@schookyinzer56]

I’m a high school lineman and I wanna be like Greene

[@christianscott3309]

It felt like I just shared the experience with him 💀

[@peelichan8084]

Insults him, Joe: hold my Gatorade

[@BigBlack81]

02:03 - Does anyone know what song that is? It's one of my favorite NFL Films songs but I've never been able to find it. Thanks.

[@TheAlfrulz]

BigBlack81 - Keith Mansfield; Aggressive jazz theme kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJSph5mXlNeUhpo

[@will_2is]

4:44 the way he kicked him made me spit out my water 😂

[@wapoex]

0:49 that slide tho so smooth

[@PaulGreen11]

Did anyone see that shit!? 54, 84, and 78 jumped him!!

[@Super41772]

nfl greatest hits

[@mcdonoghrahloh459]

Can't they be fined today for that?

[@jkmsaturn]

Greene started it & they ALL finished it. #78 beat the crap out of him.

[@pedromascarenhas1360]

Greatest D-lineman ever

[@nogoogleplus]

GOAT....period

[@jarrodstickley3567]

Dope

[@sportsfaniguess154]

Best D-tackle ever.

[@angelofaga687]

I’m a Steelers fan and I did not know that they were that bad back then

[@oscardublina2782]

🐐

[@BObBOB-pj4xo]

anyone knows the music title starting at 7:38 ?

[@TheSMSpider]

BOb BOB I've been trying to find it for so long... no luck

[@calebmcdorman6318]

My great uncle was in this video

[@parkertinsley7329]

2:04 what happened to sick music and audio like this

[@lalom.196]

MR. JOE GREENE... STEELERS NATION...

[@Anybodyelse2294]

He could play today. He was chiseled from granite. I love that man

[@PaulGreen11]

4:44 Now, that's the NFL!

[@lalom.196]

number ONE...

[@garygiampa4175]

hi great football player hall of fame I love it

[@JM-bg2le]

Nowadays the Antonio Browns are the face of the NFL....I miss old NFL FOOTBALL AND the CHARACTERS

[@uscgbmcmretired2490]

The Greatest Steeler of them all! - Mean Joe!

[@llaums4710]

nice

[@nateestifanos7025]

My idol

[@champw24]

IS THE BEST TOO EVER DO IT

[@owenmullen61]

Thanks Joe

[@Coach_Shiner]

7:00 thats something everyone should be thinking and acting on when someone is trying to quit, or when they think its over for them. "Somebody please stop me". Stop them. They aren't thinking right. Go there and help them see that it's not over and they need to get back up

[@greyklopstock7155]

In any sport, I feel like the great ones hate losing more than they love winning. Like, losing pisses them off so much they say "i never wanna be this mad again"

[@LordRupertEverton626]

who wants some of MEAN JOE

[@eskiesyt999]

Can the people who made this please tell Franco that he’s my favorite player

[@giantsfan185]

Does anyone know the name of the song at 7:35? I'm trying to find the full version. Thanks in advance.

[@jaxkspades5418]

R.I.P Dan Rooney⚰️

[@tagamarlin1]

Bad man!

[@contegould6614]

Jim Brown and Joe Greene both revolutionized pro football for ever; the greatest football players of all time!!

[@r.williamcomm7693]

Freeze it at :20 & look at that list. ON Simpson 1, Joe Greene 4, Greg Cook at 5. Wow. Cook’s career cut short or he might have been taking the Bengals (OC Bill Walsh) to Super Bowls before the Steelers got there in 1974.

[@happytroll2477]

Defensive lineman are the most aggressive and violent players on the field and it’s been that way since the beginning of football. To bad you aren’t aloud to play violent anymore.

[@earldeanpowell]

Cowboy fan. I hate, hate, hate the Steelers, but do respect. Joe is THE best. Ever