Steelers legend ‘Mean’ Joe Greene still alive after viral death hoax

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20 March 2026 at 21:28

Pittsburgh Steelers fans received a scare on Friday morning when reports began to surface that legendary defensive tackle “Mean” Joe Greene had passed away at age 79. However, Steelers Nation was later able to breathe a sigh of relief.

As it turns out, the NFL legend was the subject of a death hoax, and his family passed along the news that he is alive and well. The original rumor began circulating on an AI-generated page on Facebook, which creates fake news for engagement.

NFL reporter John McClain spoke to Greene’s family and passed along the good news on social media.

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“Fortunately, Joe Greene has NOT died. I got that from his family. That report was fake news,” McClain shared on X. “Joe is doing great!!!”

Dec 2, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers former great Mean Joe Greene on the sidelines before the Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers game at Heinz Field. The Super Bowl XIII team was recognized during halftime. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images

Greene played 13 seasons in the NFL, recording 77.5 sacks and 16 fumble recoveries. He was a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, won four Super Bowls, and earned 10 Pro Bowl nods.

He is the last living member of the legendary Steel Curtain defense.