Fansided

30 best nicknames in NFL history

By Jarrett Bailey

PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 28: Jerome Bettis #36 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs against the Washington Redskins on November 28, 2004 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Redskins 16-7.(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 28: Jerome Bettis #36 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs against the Washington Redskins on November 28, 2004 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Redskins 16-7.(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) /
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Defensive lineman Joe Greene(75) and LC Greenwood(68) attack the Bengals offense in a 27 to 3 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on December 14, 1974 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Clifton Boutelle/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
Defensive lineman Joe Greene(75) and LC Greenwood(68) attack the Bengals offense in a 27 to 3 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on December 14, 1974 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Clifton Boutelle/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

5. “Mean” Joe Greene

Joe Greene is one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, and also has one of the best nicknames.

The moniker of “Mean” Joe Greene fit the Steelers legendary defensive lineman on the field. From 1969-81, Greene was one of the best defensive players in football. He came to Pittsburgh at a time where the Steelers were still one of the worst teams in the league. They may not have won a lot in his first season, but Greene was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1969.

The Steelers made it to the AFC Championship Game in 1972, and Greene won the first of his two Defensive Player of the Year awards. Many mark this season as the beginning of Pittsburgh becoming the team of the decade. In 1974, Pittsburgh beat the Minnesota Vikings 16-6 in Super Bowl IX. Greene was the best player on a defense that had just added a ton of talent through the draft, and won his second Defensive Player of the Year award.

Greene was a 10-time Pro Bowler in his time with Pittsburgh, as well as a four-time All-pro. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.

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