Steelers: All-Time Greats

Defensive Lineman: Joe Greene (1969-1981)

There’s no question here. There’s no debate to be had.

“Mean” Joe Greene is simply the greatest defensive player, and defensive lineman in Steeler history, and probably the entire NFL.

Greene was the leader of the defense, and the leader of the unstoppable force known as the Steel Curtain. He was one of, if not the most feared player in NFL history.

Joe Greene received the nickname “Mean Joe Greene” and while he was actually a very pleasant man off the field (just ask that kid from the coca cola commercial), Joe Greene was no saint on the field, and was one of the most gruesome and rough players in the history of the game.

He was a shoe in Hall of Famer, and is one of two players in Steeler History to have his jersey retired. No one will ever wear the number 75 again, and it’s better that way. No one could ever live up to the name of Joe Greene.

While he’ll be in the honorable mentions, Ernie Stautner surely deserves a special shout out for being the only other player to have his jersey retired. Sadly for him, he also played defensive tackle, and Joe Greene simply beats him out.

Honorable Mention(s): Ernie Stautner, LC Greenwood, Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton, Brett Keisel, Dwight White

Next: Linebackers