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Steelers retiring Greene’s No. 75 jersey

LATROBE – The Pittsburgh Steelers are retiring Hall of Fame defensive end Joe Greene’s number No. 75.

“I’m overwhelmed with emotions,” Greene said. “I’m extremely pleased and I know that Dan (Rooney) and Art (Rooney II) put a lot of thought into making this decision.”

The team announced Wednesday that Greene will be honored during a ceremony on Nov. 2 when the Steelers host the Baltimore Ravens.

“Joe Greene was the dominant player and the unquestioned leader of the Steelers dynasty of the 70s,” Steelers President Art Rooney II said. “It is time that we recognize his importance and many contributions to the Steelers by officially retiring his number 75.”

Greene, the fourth overall pick in the 1969 NFL draft, helped Pittsburgh win four Super Bowls during his 13-year career. The 10-time Pro Bowler was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1987.

The announcement comes just over a month after the passing of former Steelers coach Chuck Noll, who drafted Greene to become the cornerstone of the “Steel Curtain” defense.

“Joe was the cornerstone of the Steel Curtain,” Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney said. “This isn’t something you can do for everyone. He was a catalyst and to retire his number is something we feel is a special thing. I am so happy we are honoring Joe this way.”

Greene is the second Steeler to have his number retired. The team retired defensive lineman Ernie Stautner’s No. 70 in 1964.

“Retiring jerseys is not something that the Steelers do (often),” Greene said. “That makes it even more significant. I have never seen a championship banner at our stadium. We have won more Super Bowls than anybody at this point in the history of the National Football League and we don’t flaunt it. Winning is a statement and it stands alone.

“That, to me, and the idea about this organization and the philosophy (when they) say we are going to retire this number that’s extremely special to me because it’s not something that they do. I’m extremely, extremely happy and excited about it. I’m overwhelmed.”

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