Mandatory Credit: ESPN.com
Former “Steel Curtain” star L.C. Greenwood reportedly died this afternoon at the age of 67 according to Ray Fittipaldo of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
The defensive end, who played his entire career (1969-1981) with the Steelers after he was drafted out of Arkansas Pine-Bluff, started on all four of Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl-winning teams in the 1970s, and finished his career as the all-time leader in sacks with the franchise (73.5 unofficial). Greenwood might have even set the mark for sacks in a Super Bowl with four in Super Bowl X. Sadly, since that particular stat was not official until 1982, L.C. does not own the record.
Despite the fact that Greenwood enjoyed such a successful professional career, he has sort of been lost in the shuffle when it has come to voting for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A six-time finalist, the man who made golden shoes famous has yet to earn the nod into Canton for his terrific career. A six-time “Pro Bowler” as well, Greenwood will have to receive the honor posthumously if he ever is inducted.
With Earnie Holmes, Dwight White, and now Greenwood gone, Joe Greene is now the only living member of the famed “Steel Curtain” defensive line.
Stats & Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com and Pro Football Reference
Follow me on Twitter: @DominicDiTolla
Follow & Like “NPC” on Facebook: Nice Pick, Cowher