Home / Sports / Mean Joe Greene NOT Dead: Steelers Deny Social Media Rumors
Mean Joe Greene NOT Dead: Steelers Deny Social Media Rumors
20 Mar
Summary
- Hall of Fame DT Joe Greene is confirmed alive by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Social media rumors falsely reported the death of the 79-year-old legend.
- Greene won four Super Bowls and earned 10 Pro Bowl selections.
Hall of Fame defensive tackle Joe Greene, 79, is alive and well, Pittsburgh Steelers representatives confirmed on Friday, March 20, 2026. This confirmation swiftly debunked false rumors circulating on social media that erroneously reported his death.
Longtime NFL reporter John McClain also verified Greene's status, stating he had spoken with Greene's family and that the four-time Super Bowl champion is "doing great!!!" The report of Greene's death was characterized as "fake news."
Greene, nicknamed "Mean" Joe Greene, played his entire 13-year NFL career with the Steelers. He achieved significant accolades, including four Super Bowl wins during the 1974, 1975, 1978, and 1979 seasons. His career was also marked by 10 Pro Bowl selections and five first-team All-Pro selections. In 1979, he received the NFL Man of the Year award.
Before his professional career, Greene played for the North Texas Mean Green, a team that adopted its name during his tenure. Both North Texas and the Pittsburgh Steelers have retired his iconic No. 75 jersey. Greene was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.
