The Pittsburgh Steelers confirmed to multiple media outlets on Friday that Hall of Fame defensive tackle Joe Greene is not dead, despite rumors to the contrary on social media.
Rumors about Green’s death, 79, circulated online early Friday morning before the team shut it down. The Steelers told TMZ that reports of Green’s death were “inaccurate” and told People magazine that Green is “not dead.”
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Additionally, longtime NFL reporter John McClain wrote on social media that he has spoken with Green’s family and confirmed that the four-time Super Bowl champion is alive and well.
“Fortunately, Joe Greene did not die,” McClain wrote. “That report is FAKE NEWS. Well done Joe!!!”
Green, nicknamed “Mean” Joe Green, spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the Steelers, winning four Super Bowl championships with the team (1974, 1975, 1978, 1979). He was nominated for the Pro Bowl 10 times throughout his career, was selected to the All-Pro First Team five times, and won the NFL Man of the Year Award in 1979 (now the Walter Payton Man of the Year).
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Prior to that, Green (appropriately) played for the North Texas Mean Greens, who retired his No. 75 in 1981. Pittsburgh followed suit, retiring Green’s No. 75 in 2014.
Green was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.