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Steelers Legend Rumored To Have Died – Fans Desperately Praying the Heartbreaking News Is Fake

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Pittsburgh Steelers helmet
A Pittsburgh Steelers helmet sits on the sideline following a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium. (Photo via Barry Reeger-Imagn Images)

A viral tweet claiming Pittsburgh Steelers legend “Mean” Joe Greene passed away had fans going through it on Friday. 

Folks woke up to news of martial artist and actor Chuck Norris’ death at the age of 86, which marked the start of a demoralizing weekend. 

Rumors of Greene also passing away followed the above, with one X account claiming the four-time Super Bowl winner had met his demise. 

“This day keeps getting worse!! R.I.P. Mean Joe Greene!!! 😔 🙏” they wrote.

Fans were, of course, stunned by the news.

“This is such sad news. Mean Joe Greene was a legend and will be deeply missed,” one commented.

“Whatttt he’s dead ? @grok it’s real?” another asked.

Someone else commented, “Say it ain’t so! RIP Mean Joe Green! Steeler Legend.”

“Man, that’s tough… a legend gone. Mean Joe Greene wasn’t just a player, he was the steel of the Steelers,” said another.

“Mean” Joe Green Is An NFL Icon

PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 02: Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Joe Greene (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Greene, a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, was one of the greatest defensive tackles of his era. He played in the league for 13 years, recording 77.5 sacks, 16 fumble recoveries and an interception. 

The 79-year-old helped the Steelers win four Super Bowls, spending his entire career with the team. 

He is the last surviving member of the franchise’s “Steel Curtain” defense.

The Steelers have retired his No. 75 jersey, while he is a member of their Hall of Fame, Hall of Honor and All-Time Team. 

Joe Greene is also enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, having been inducted in 1987. 

While he played with the aggression and tenacity that made him a formidable opponent and earned him his nickname, he does not want to be remembered as being mean. 

“I just want people to remember me as being a good player and not really mean,” Green has been quoted as saying.

He added, “I want to be remembered for playing 13 years and contributing to four championship teams. I would like to be remembered for maybe setting a standard for others to achieve.”

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