Four years ago, the Steelers retired the iconic No. 75 of Joe Greene, making it one of just two numbers that the storied franchise has officially retired.
But even Mean Joe doesn't have a statue outside Heinz Field. Only team founder Art Rooney is so honored at the team's North Shore home.
However, Greene is going to be immortalized in bronze at his alma mater this fall.
The University of North Texas announced that they will unveil an 8-foot statue, standing on a four-foot pedestal, of Greene prior to the Mean Green's game against Louisiana Tech on Sept. 29.
In honor of the great impact he has had on North Texas Athletics, we are excited to announce the unveiling of a statue in honor of Joe Greene.
The main event will be held 9/29 before @meangreenfb takes on LA Tech.
More details here: https://t.co/nRvMRWX0ad#TheMGStandard pic.twitter.com/dtvKZuW9Wg
— University of North Texas Athletics (@MeanGreenSports) August 29, 2018
"For over 50 years, Joe Greene has made a tremendous impact on our University and the athletic program," North Texas vice president and director of athletics Wren Baker said in a statement. "As a football player, as an alumnus and as a regent, he has made significant contributions to this campus and brought great honor to the Mean Green family. He is one of the greatest defensive linemen in the history of football and he's one of us. We are very excited to recognize Joe's achievements and contributions with this statue."
Greene, a three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection from 1966-68, is one of just three North Texas players selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. He is the only NT alum to have his jersey retired by both his college and pro team.
"I am overwhelmed by the thought of a Joe Greene statue at the University of North Texas," Greene, 71, said in a statement. "It is beyond my wildest expectations that the university thought enough of me as a player and a person to bestow such an honor to me and my family. It will be special for my kids, grandkids and all the generations that follow to see their father and grandfather displayed in such a manner."
The Greene statue was sculpted by Brian Hanlon, whose previous statues include Charles Barkley (Auburn), Jim Brown (Syracuse), Shaquille O'Neal (LSU) and Jackie Robinson (UCLA).