Steelers forced to clarify NFL legend is still alive after rumors he had died went viral
The Pittsburgh Steelers were forced to deny claims that legendary NFL star Joe Greene had died after an online hoax left fans confused.
Rumors began circulating on social media that the former defensive tackle, nicknamed 'Mean' Joe Greene throughout his career, had died at the age of 79 on Friday.
The erroneous report tricked a number of heartbroken fans, who began mourning the loss of the four-time Super Bowl champion in tributes on social media.
However, the franchise confirmed to TMZ that the tragic news was 'not accurate' and that Greene was very much still alive.
The Steelers' clarification came as a great relief to football fans, given Greene's impact on the sport.
Greene spent his entire 13-year career in Pittsburgh, where he became renowned for his fierce play.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were forced to deny claims that legend Joe Greene had died
Rumors began circulating on social media that the former defensive tackle had died at 79
He established himself as one of the best defensive linemen in NFL history, winning NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors twice.
He recorded 77.5 sacks, 16 fumble recoveries, and one interception throughout his legendary career, helping the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories.
Greene, who hails from Temple, Texas, also earned 10 Pro Bowl selections and an NFL Man of the Year award.
The defensive legend was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.
He is the only remaining member of Pittsburgh's famed Steel Curtain defense, which helped lead the franchise to four championships during the 1970s.
L.C. Greenwood passed away in 2013, while both Ernie Holmes and Dwight White died in 2008.
Fears were first sparked when an X account by the name of Johnny Cadillac shared a graphic of Greene in Steelers uniform with the dates '1946-2026' and Pittsburgh's logo underneath.
'This day keeps getting worse!! R.I.P. Mean Joe Greene!!!' the account wrote, adding a sad-face emoji and a praying emoji.
Greene spent his entire 13-year career in Pittsburgh, winning four Super Bowl titles
The replies to the post were flooded with grieving fans, many of whom shared tributes to the 'legend.'
Within two hours, the post had already amassed almost 800,000 views, being reposted 5,000 times and receiving 1,300 comments.
However, the tributes were swiftly replaced with messages of relief after news of the Steelers' clarification broke.
'I'm so annoyed I believe this for a second, but relieved,' one social media user wrote, replying to the false report. 'Mean Joe is alive and well.'
'Man y'all had me believing Joe Greene had died,' second said.
Others were more furious, directing their rage at the poster of the erroneous claim.
'You’ve got to be a real [piece of s***] to make up death rumors about Joe Greene,' one claimed.
'Ole up… why are they lying on Mean Joe Greene like that?! People need a life,' another posted.
A third fumed: 'Whoever started the rumor about Joe Greene..... I'll see you in HELL!!!'
