L.C. Greenwood, a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers “Steel Curtain” Defense of the 1970’s turns 66 today.

10 Notes on L.C. Greenwood

1. The Steelers drafted him in the 10th round of the 1969 NFL draft out of Arkansas AM@N. He was a tall, thin defensive end. 6 foot 6, 245 pounds. The Steelers during that era had great success drafting relatively unknown players from small southern schools.

2. L.C. Greenwood wore the #68. He would become a starting defensive end in his third season, 1971.

3. L.C. had the nickname of “Hollywood Bags” because he claimed his bags were always packed in case Hollywood called, he would be ready at a moments notice.

4. L.C. Greenwood wore gold shoes while playing. Today’s NFL would not approve!

5. L.C. Greenwood made the Pro Bowl 6 times and was a member of the 1970’s All-Decade Team. He was a starter on all four 1970’s Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl Championship teams. He played his entire career with the Steelers, 1969-1981.

6. L.C Greenwood was a finalist several times for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. To this point he has not won been selected for induction. One issue may be the fact there are so many Steelers from the 1970’s in there. I think L.C. was a Hall of Fame type player. Eventually I think he gets in. I think he is the only Steeler left from those great teams who is worthy of Canton. He was born to end up in Canton. He was born in Canton, Mississippi.

7. LC Greenwood came up big in the Super Bowl games. In Super Bowl IX he batted down three of Fran Tarkenton’s passes. In 4 Super Bowls he recorded a total of 5 sacks.

8. During his career he led the Steelers in quarterback sacks six times. His total for his entire career is 73.5.

9. LC like a lot of players didn’t know when it was time to go. The Steelers wanted him to retire but he came back in 1982 only to be released in training camp. He was nearly 36 years old and the end came like it does for them all. LC’s quote after being cut was “I didn’t say anything when I came in and I’m not going to say anything when I go out”

10. LC Greenwood played on the same side of the line as the great defensive tackle Joe Greene {Who gets my vote as the greatest Steeler of them all} L.C. was a fast defensive end. I remember him as someone who seemed to be having fun out on the field. The game I remember most of his is-Super Bowl IX when he drove Fran Tarkenton crazy. It seemed like he was after Tarkenton all day. Greenwood at 6 foot 6 kept swatting down tiny Tarkenton’s passes. Fran had to have nightmares for months after that game.