Steelers’ “Mean” Joe Greene Has Unbelievable Story Revealed About Kicking Ernie Holmes Out Of A Game

When you talk about the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers, "Mean" Joe Greene is one of the first names that comes to mind. Greene earned his nickname from teammates who found him to be tough and intimidating. His on-field style perfectly matched his moniker. Greene is not only one of the greatest Pittsburgh players of all-time, but also one of the greatest to ever play in the NFL.

Before hiring Head Coach Chuck Noll in 1969, Pittsburgh was a struggling franchise. That same year, they selected Greene with the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft. Greene went on to become a Hall of Famer, a 10-time Pro Bowler, a four-time All-Pro, a four-time Super Bowl champion, and a two-time AP Defensive Player of the Year.

Former Denver Broncos linebacker Tom Jackson got to know Greene well during their playing days, as they were both selected for several Pro Bowl teams. In the book edited by Sean Deveney, Facing the Pittsburgh Steelers: Players Recall the Glory Years of the Black and Gold, Jackson shares several great stories about Greene. One of his favorite stories involved former Pittsburgh player Ernie Holmes. Holmes was on the sideline when he was supposed to be in the game, leaving Defensive Coordinator George Perles confused. Jackson detailed the rest of the story.

“We knew on the field, he could be really rough. One of the stories we all heard about him was that Ernie Holmes was on the sideline while the defense was on the field. And Defensive Coordinator George Perles went up to Ernie and said, 'Well, why are you not on the field? What's wrong with you?' And Ernie said, in a soft voice, 'I was freelancing too much and Joe told me to come out and not to come back in until he said it was OK.' Perles told him to go back out, but Ernie wouldn't until Joe let him back. If you played against Joe, you heard that story and you said, ‘Oh yeah, we get it. It's Joe.’”

Greene was feared by many, even his own teammates. Jackson explained that Greene really lived up to his nickname of being mean. 

"We knew Joe was really mean," said Jackson. "That nickname was maybe more apropos than any in the history of football. He was mean, not only on the field, but to everybody. He was mean to kids, even.”

There has been ongoing debate about the origins of Greene's nickname. While attending North Texas State, where he was a dominant force, some believe the nickname began as a play on words related to the university's athletic teams. 

Others suggest it originated from the student section singing a song. Regardless of its origin, the nickname stayed with him throughout his entire professional career.

Steelers' "Mean" Joe Greene Absolutely Hated His Nickname

Greene actually hated the mean nickname he had acquired. He wanted Pittsburgh and football fans to remember him for his playstyle, not for a moniker that didn’t reflect who he truly was as a person. Greene's desire was to be remembered for his significant contributions during his time in Pittsburgh. He was a massive reason why Pittsburgh boasts six Super Bowl trophies. Without Greene, Pittsburgh would have fewer Super Bowls, and that is an undeniable fact.

The respect and fear Greene commanded from his teammates were evident when he could force a player like Holmes off the field. This influence speaks volumes about his character and leadership. Greene was pivotal in changing the culture in Pittsburgh, helping to set the standard that fans recognize today. He was arguably the best player on the world-famous Steel Curtain defense.

Greene’s aggressive playstyle, which included hitting players in the stomach, was not only tolerated but embraced during his era. Pittsburgh fans who had the privilege of watching Greene in action will forever cherish his immense contributions to the team. The countless anecdotes shared by Steelers fans over the years are nothing short of thrilling, painting a vivid picture of Greene’s impact on the game. 

Stories about Greene are perennial favorites, as he stands as both an icon and a legend in Pittsburgh's storied history. His legacy continues to inspire and resonate with fans across generations, cementing his status as a revered figure in the world of football. For those who witnessed his prowess firsthand, and even for newer fans who learn about his exploits, Greene remains a symbol of the grit and determination that defined an era of Steelers football.

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