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NFL Legend 'Mean' Joe Greene Is Alive, Steelers Say, After Death Hoax Circulates Online

· Yahoo Sports

Former Steeler Joe Greene
Credit: Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Joe Greene is alive, despite false reports claiming he had died
  • The Steelers confirmed to PEOPLE that Greene, 79, is alive
  • The hoax began with a post on X and quickly gained traction

'Mean' Joe Greene is alive, the Pittsburgh Steelers said, after a post circulating on social media had fans thinking he had died.

The Steelers said in a statement to PEOPLE on Friday, March 20, that Greene, 79, "did not die."

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NFL insider John McClain also confirmed the former Steeler is alive and well, saying on Friday that he spoke to Greene's family. "Fortunately, Joe Greene has NOT died. I got that from his family. That report was fake news," McClain said, adding, "Joe is doing great!!!"

The rumor began circulating on social media on Friday morning when an account posted, "This day keeps getting worse!! R.I.P. Mean Joe Greene!!!"

Former Steeler Joe Greene on Nov. 2, 2014
Credit: Justin K. Aller/Getty

The post quickly gained traction and other accounts began posting about Greene's falsely reported death. TMZ was first to report that the news was a hoax on Friday, with the Steelers telling them the rumors of Greene's death were "not accurate."

Drafted fourth overall in 1969, Greene became an NFL legend during his 13 years with the Steelers, where he won four Super Bowls and was a 10-time Pro-Bowler. Greene was also named defensive player of the year twice.

After his playing career, Greene served as a defensive line coach for the Steelers from 1987 until 1991 before taking on the same role for the Miami Dolphins for four years. From 1996 until 2003, Greene was an assistant coach for the Arizona Cardinals.

Greene's former teammates and coaches have spoken highly of him over the years. His late coach Chuck Noll described Greene as "special from a leadership standpoint" and a player who would "do whatever you had to do to win," according to the Steelers.

Former Raiders offensive guard has said he has "the ultimate respect for" Greene, calling him a "great player" and "the best Steelers player ever."

Read the original article on People

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