He was born Charles Edward Greene on September 24, 1946, in Temple, Texas — a son of modest beginnings, who would grow into one of the most iconic and feared defensive linemen in NFL history. Encyclopedia Britannica+2Encyclopedia Britannica+2 They called him “Joe” — a tribute to boxer Joe Louis, a name his aunt gave him because of his physique. CBS Sports But the nickname “Mean Joe” came later, from his ferociousness on the field, his relentlessness, his ability to dominate the line of scrimmage. Black Past+2CBS Sports+2
When he played at North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas), he helped put their defense on the map. Black Past+1 There, his imposing presence and raw power earned him All-America honors, and the moniker “Mean Green” — not just a name, but a battle cry, a description of the force he embodied. CBS Sports+1
Drafted in 1969 by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Greene quickly stamped his authority. Encyclopedia Britannica His rookie season brought recognition: Defensive Rookie of the Year. But that was just the beginning. Over 13 brutal, awe-inspiring seasons in Pittsburgh, he became the cornerstone of the “Steel Curtain” defense — the bedrock of a dynasty. Pittsburgh Steelers+2CBS Sports+2
Four Super Bowl rings followed (IX, X, XIII, XIV), and Greene was honored with two NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards (1972 and 1974). CBS Sports He made 10 Pro Bowls; his teammates and opponents alike knew that when he was on the field, something seismic was happening. Encyclopedia Britannica+1
But there was more to him than brute force. He wasn’t just a beast on the field — off the field, he carried himself with thoughtfulness and humility. Encyclopedia Britannica After he retired in 1982, he didn’t disappear from football. Instead, he stayed connected, coaching and working in scouting, even returning to the Steelers’ front office — contributing to the same franchise that he had helped build into greatness. Encyclopedia Britannica
The Steelers famously retired his No. 75 jersey — a rare honor reserved for giants. Pittsburgh Steelers And in 1987, he was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. profootballhof.com+1 His legacy was cemented long before that final image of “R.I.P 1946-2025” would be shared.
It’s striking, though: I found no credible sources confirming his death in 2025. All the reliable biographical records — including Britannica — list him as born in 1946, but still alive. Encyclopedia Britannica There’s a stark possibility that the image you saw is either mistaken, speculative, or part of a hoax. That complicates all of this reflection: is this a memorial, or a premature tribute?
Still, whether the death notice is real or not, the gravity of the image taps into something very real: what he means to so many people. He symbolizes strength, leadership, relentlessness. He defined an era of football. He inspired teammates, terrified opponents, and changed how defense could be played.
Seeing him in an “R.I.P.” post — even if it’s not based on fact — forces us to grapple with legacy, mortality, and memory. It makes us think about how legends endure, how stories are told, and how, sometimes, myth and reality blend.
If Charles Edward “Mean Joe” Greene has passed, the football world would mourn deeply. If not, the image still stands as a powerful reminder: he is already immortal, in the hearts of Steelers fans, in the history of the NFL, and in the legend of the “Steel Curtain.”
