L.C. Greenwood: The Steel Curtain's Golden-Cleated Giant
One of the most dominant defensive linemen of the 1970s, L.C. Greenwood was a towering presence on the legendary Pittsburgh Steelers “Steel Curtain” defense. Standing 6’6″ and instantly recognizable for his gold-colored cleats, Greenwood terrorized opposing offenses for 13 seasons while helping to build one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history.
 Selected by the Steelers in the 10th round of the 1969 NFL Draft out of Arkansas AM&N (now Arkansas-Pine Bluff) Greenwood defied his humble draft status to become one of the best defensive ends of his era. Alongside “Mean” Joe Greene, Ernie Holmes, and Dwight White, he formed part of the defensive line that anchored Pittsburgh’s famed Steel Curtain defense during their run of four Super Bowl victories in six years.
LC Greenwood’s combination of size, speed, and agility made him a nightmare for offensive tackles. As a defensive end he excelled both as a pass rusher and run stopper. And while sacks weren’t an official NFL statistic until 1982, Greenwood is unofficially credited with 78 sacks during his career – an impressive number for that era.
His finest moment arguably came in Super Bowl X against the Dallas Cowboys, where he sacked Roger Staubach four times in a masterful performance that helped secure a 21-17 victory for Pittsburgh. The game showcased everything that made Greenwood special: his explosive first step, his relentless motor and the ability to take over games from the defensive end position.
Image Gallery of LC Greenwood, Defensive Tackle 1969-1981
LC Greenwood Football Cards
LC Greenwood All Time Career Statistics
Season | Age | Team | Games | Starts | Fumble Recoveries | Sacks | Safties |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1969 | 23 | PIT | 12 | 0 | 0 | 4.0 | 0 |
1970 | 24 | PIT | 12 | 0 | 0 | 2.5 | 0 |
1971 | 25 | PIT | 14 | 14 | 5 | 11.0 | 0 |
1972 | 26 | PIT | 13 | 13 | 0 | 4.0 | 0 |
1973* | 27 | PIT | 14 | 14 | 3 | 8.5 | 0 |
1974+* | 28 | PIT | 14 | 14 | 3 | 11.0 | 1♦ |
1975+* | 29 | PIT | 14 | 14 | 0 | 6.0 | 0 |
1976* | 30 | PIT | 13 | 13 | 1 | 4.5 | 0 |
1977* | 31 | PIT | 9 | 8 | 0 | 2.5 | 0 |
1978 | 32 | PIT | 14 | 14 | 1 | 9.0 | 0 |
1979* | 33 | PIT | 12 | 11 | 0 | 7.0 | 0 |
1980* | 34 | PIT | 15 | 15 | 1 | 5.0 | 0 |
1981 | 35 | PIT | 14 | 5 | 0 | 3.0 | 0 |
13 Year NFL Career | 170 | 135 | 14 | 78.0 | 1 |
Season | Age | Games | Sacks |
---|---|---|---|
1972 | 26 | 2 | 1.0 |
1973* | 27 | 1 | 1.0 |
1974+* | 28 | 3 | 1.0 |
1975+* | 29 | 3 | 5.0 |
1976* | 30 | 2 | 1.0 |
1977* | 31 | 1 | Â |
1978* | 32 | 3 | 2.5 |
1979* | 33 | 3 | 1.0 |
Post Season Totals | 18 | 12.5 |
- + – All-Pro Selection
- * – Pro Bowl Selection
- ♦ – Led the League
- ♚ – NFL Champion