Career: 1969-1981
Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers
Achievements: four-time Super Bowl champion, 10-time Pro Bowler, five-time All-Pro
As great as Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Lynn Swann, John Stallworth, Jack Ham, Jack Lambert and Mel Blount were, the most vital cog in arguably the greatest dynasty of modern NFL was their defensive tackle.
Greene, the first selection made by Chuck Noll after he took command of the dormant franchise in 1969, instantly provided credibility to a team that sorely needed it.
He certainly lived up to his nickname—although "Mean" was just a nickname that came from playing for the North Texas Mean Green—by punishing defenders. Sometimes, even after the whistle had been blown.
But he ruined opposing offenses game plans, especially when he lined up in the tilt position over the center.
Everyone on the Steel Curtain defense—Ham, Lambert, Blount, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ernie Holmes—and subsequently the entire Pittsburgh franchise benefited to the tune of four Lombardi Trophies.
