3 legendary NFL defenders who changed their position

PASADENA - JANUARY 25 : Linebacker Lawrence Taylor #56 of the New York Giants looks over to the sideline against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXlI at the Rose Bowl on January 25, 1987 in Pasadena, California. The Giants defeated the Broncos 39-20. (Photo by Nate Fine/Getty Images) /

3 of 4

CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 15, 1978: Defensive tackle Joe Greene #75 of the Pittsburgh Steelers watches the action from the sidelines during a game on October 15, 1978, against the Cleveland Browns at Municipal Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by: Bill Amatucci Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /

NFL defenders that changed the game: 2. Joe Greene, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers

The only man to have a hand in each of the six Super Bowl trophies that the Pittsburgh Steelers currently own. To say the Steelers were awful before “Mean” Joe Greene arrived would be an understatement. Once he arrived, though, his impact was felt. Just ask Ray Mansfield, the then-Steelers center.

Greene would go on to become a four-time champion as a player. But, his first step, quickness as a defensive tackle, and the ability to shoot between the gap of the guard and center made it an impossible challenge back in those days. Tackles for losses were a regular part of playing the Steelers, whether on the road or at the old Three Rivers Stadium.

Not even the great Raider lines of Shell, Upshaw, and Otto were enough, although having the late Dwight White, LC Greenwood, and Ernie Holmes helped; god rest all their souls. But Greene was the core of that defense, and there’s no debate. Now, great defensive tackles go back to what Greene did and tailor their strengths in hopes of having the same impact Greene had; see Aaron Donald, for example.

But if Joe Greene and Ronnie Lott aren’t No. 1, then who is? Well, let’s just say it’s a man that made even the great Michael Jordan shiver with fear.

Home/NFL