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Steelers To Retire 'Mean' Joe Greene's No. 75

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The Pittsburgh Steelers held a press conference Wednesday afternoon to announce they will be retiring "Mean" Joe Greene's number.

Greene's No. 75 will be retired prior to the Steelers' game against the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 2.

Greene was a member of the iconic Steel Curtain, which helped the Steelers win four Super Bowl titles in six years.

"I'm overwhelmed with emotions," Greene said in a statement. "I'm extremely pleased and I know that Dan (Rooney) and Art (Rooney II) put a lot of thought into making this decision."

The Steel Curtain name at its core was about the four men who anchored the defensive line: 'Mean' Joe Greene, L.C. Greenwood, Dwight White and Ernie 'Fats' Holmes.

"Joe was the cornerstone of the Steel Curtain," Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney said in a statement. "This isn't something you can do for everyone. He was a catalyst and to retire his number is something we feel is a special thing. I am so happy we are honoring Joe this way."

It was Greene's leadership, intensity and attitude that made so much of the success and image of the '70s Steelers possible. To many, he is the face of one of the greatest teams in NFL history.

"Joe Greene was the dominant player and the unquestioned leader of the Steelers dynasty of the 70s," Steelers President Art Rooney II said in a statement. "It is time that we recognize his importance and many contributions to the Steelers by officially retiring his number 75."

Greene was the Steelers' number one pick in 1969. He retired after the 1981 season and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.

No one has worn his No. 75 jersey since his retirement. Prior to this announcement, only Ernie Stautner (No. 70) had his retired by the team.

Greene recently sat down with KDKA-TV's Bob Pompeani to discuss his time with the Steelers.

Watch the interview here:

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