Joe Greene

Bio

Charles Edward Joseph Greene was better known by his nickname "Mean Joe" Greene. The 6-4, 270-pound tackle acquired this moniker as a reference to his school's nickname, the North Texas State University Mean Green. During the three seasons Greene played defensive tackle for North Texas, the Mean Green posted a 23-5-1 record. In his 29 games at defensive tackle, North Texas State held the opposition to 2,507 yards gained on 1,276 rushes, a per-carry average of less than two yards per attempt. His collegiate coach, Rod Rust, said of the 1968 consensus All-America, "There are two factors behind Joe's success. First, he has the ability to make the big defensive play and turn the tempo of a game around. Second, he has the speed to be an excellent pursuit player." A pro scout said, "He's tough and mean and comes to hit people. He has good killer instincts. He's mobile and hostile." He was drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers and became part of the "Steel Curtain" defense that won four Super Bowls. Greene is also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, being inducted in 1987.

Career Highlights

• 1968 All-Conference
• 1968 Consensus All-America
• 1967 All-Conference
• 1966 All-Conference