The Pittsburgh Steelers had a meteoric rise to success in the early 1970s, which began with hiring new Head Coach Chuck Noll in 1969. Noll cleaned house, cutting the players he considered deadweight and changing the way the team drafted new players. During that first season, Noll had a strong draft, not as great as the 1974 draft, but good, including Joe Greene and L.C. Greenwood.
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Dwight White, Ernie Holmes, Joe Greene and L.C. Greenwood made up the greatest defensive line of the Super Bowl era.
The Steelers also signed an undrafted free agent named Ed O'Neill. Nowadays, O'Neill is best known for playing Al Bundy on Married With Children and for his later role on Modern Family. However, when he was 23, he was trying to become a professional football player. His competition for the job in Latrobe? Green and Greenwood.
O'Neill got cut during camp that year. That's no surprise to anyone. Recently, O'Neill joined Julian Edelman on his podcast Games with Names. During the show, they reminisced about his time in Pittsburgh, and he shared his first impressions of Greenwood from their rookie year.
"L.C. Greenwood, he was a rookie when I was a rookie, and I would have bet my life that they would have cut him because he played like he was on roller skates. He was 6'7" (he was actually 6'6") and he was long and thin; I thought, oh my God, he looks like a basketball player," said O'Neill with a chuckle. "You're wrong so much, and they worked with him, and he had potential. And you know, he became a great player."
Edelman said Greenwood's long arms were an asset; they gave him leverage against the offensive players. During his 13 seasons in Pittsburgh, Greenwood helped the Steelers win four Super Bowls, and he was selected to six Pro Bowls.
Games with Names
Former Steelers DL Ed O'Neill talks with Julian Edelman.
Greenwood was a member of the famous Steel Curtain defense, and many fans believe he has not been given the recognition he deserves. He was up for Hall of Fame voting multiple years, but was not elected. During his time in Pittsburgh, he led the Steelers six times in sacks, which was an unofficial stat then, and had a career total of 78.
Steelers' L.C. Greenwood Not The Only Player Snubbed
The Steelers built a dynasty; in any football dynasty, many players helped get them there. The NFL recognizes players' accomplishments and contributions to the franchise and league. The NFL is over 100 years old and has 32 teams, each with a roster of 53, creating many players to consider each year.
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Steelers' L.C. Greenwood sacks Roger Staubach.
In a subjective process, the Hall of Fame generally enshrines four to nine players a year. That makes it impossible for the committee to add everyone who deserves to be there. Most fans feel numerous Steelers have been overlooked over the years. That includes Greenwood.
In 1974, the league was in dangerous waters. The players were upset about how little they were paid, and the World Football League (WFL) had been formed as a copycat of the American Football League (AFL). The WFL hoped to capitalize on the angst and offered big contracts to well-known players, including Greenwood.
Ultimately, Greenwood chose to stay in Steel City, which helped change the team's fortunes. The Steel Curtain was a major factor in the team's making it to Super Bowl IX and helping them win. In the game against the Minnesota Vikings, Greenwood deflected two passes from Fran Tarkenton. The following year, his performance in Super Bowl X was nothing short of MVP-worthy. He sacked Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach four times.
Like Greenwood, several other Steelers have been passed over or seem to be on the verge of being passed over for enshrinement in Canton. That includes players from all eras, like Andy Russell, Hines Ward, James Harrison, Casey Hampton, Greg Lloyd, and Dwight White.
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Steelers linebacker Andy Russell makes a tackle.
Do you remember Greenwood when he played? Did you expect him to be as good as he was? Click to comment below.
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