HOFs The Podcast

The Real “Mean Joe Greene”

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Joe Greene's nickname "Mean Joe Greene" has become synonymous with his career after years of success in the NFL, winning four Super Bowls. In this episode, we take a deep dive into Joe’s origin story—from his journey from Dunbar High School in Texas to North Texas State and finally to the NFL. We'll explore how he found motivation and his competitive spirit and what made him reach down and find something he didn't know he had. We'll also get the behind-the-scenes of the iconic Coca-Cola commercial that changed his perception from being a tough football player to an approachable guy. Finally, Joe Greene reveals influential moments with his teams and lifelong friends.

Join us as we explore what made Joe Greene so mean!


[00:01 - 11:20] Joe Greene: The Origin of "Mean Joe Green"

  • Charles Edward Greene, a.k.a Joe Greene, member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame

  • Where the nickname "Mean Joe Greene" originated 

  • Breaking down his instances of bad behavior on the field

  • Joe's rookie year of 1 in 13 and going on to win four Super Bowl rings with the Steelers


    • [11:23 - 23:26] Bringing Together Legendary Steelers Players 

    • What kept Joe on the tour

    • Joe’s initial reservation against getting drafted by The Steelers

    • Instilling an attitude and bringing new energy to the team

    • Why they started to believe they could win

    • Terry Bradshaw called his own plays and almost got murdered


      • [23:27 - 35:27] The Last Guy Chosen Becomes a Football Star

      • What it’s like developing a bond with teammates as lifelong friends

      • The influence of Franco 

      • How Joe was always the last one chosen for teams

      • Motivated by wanting to win over a girlfriend

      • How Joe started becoming great


        • [35:28 - 49:15] Joe’s Turning Point and the Influential Coca-Cola Commercial

        • Competitiveness, attitude, and mental acuity were integral to Joe's success

        • How the Coca-Cola commercial helped make Joe more approachable

        • Drinking 18 big Cokes during the commercial shoot!

        • Behind the scenes of the commercial set 

        • Appreciation for footwork went to another level when scouting players

          • Why Super Bowl XIII was the best team

          • The historic appreciation of footwork 

            • [49:16 - 59:40] The Best Steeler to Ever Play and His Biggest Rivals

            • Joe’s past helping to scout college kids with Bill

            • Attitude is something that can be picked up in one's play

            • Who reminds Joe of himself

            • The toughest opponent Joe ever had

            • OJ Simpson, Jim Brown, and Earl Campbell were dangerous players


              • [59:41 - 1:05:20] Processing the Loss of a Lifelong Friend

              • How Joe dealt with losing Franco 

              • “Be thankful for the time you had together” 

              • What team Joe would have picked if he could 

              • Playing with Deacon Jones

                • [1:05:21 - 1:10:59] The Truth About Going to the Hall of Fame

                • When you get the opportunity, you have to go

                • Joe’s highlight of going to the Hall of Fame

                • Greatness knows greatness

                • Joe’s inspiring advice to all aspiring players

                  • Quotes:

                  "When you are down and out… you reach down and get something you didn’t know you had.” - Joe Greene

                  “Nobody would let me be ‘mean.’ I’ve been blessed that many people thought I was a nice guy. I like that.” - Joe Greene


                  "You win some, and you lose some. Their job is to stop you. My job is to get the guy with the ball. That's the mindset that I had." - Joe Greene

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                  HOFs The PodcastBy C. Lamont Smith