L.C.-Greenwood-Obituary

L.C. Greenwood

1946 - 2013

Obituary

PITTSBURGH (AP) — L.C. Greenwood, the relentless defensive end who made up one quarter of the Pittsburgh Steelers' "Steel Curtain" defense of the 1970s, has died. He was 67.

The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's office said Greenwood died Sunday from undisclosed causes just before noon at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.

A six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Greenwood played for the Steelers from 1969-81, helping Pittsburgh win an unprecedented four Super Bowls in a six-year span. Greenwood, Joe Greene, Ernie Holmes and Dwight White formed the bedrock of the defense that helped turn a perennial loser into a dynasty.

"L.C. was one of the most beloved Steelers during the most successful period in team history and he will be missed by the entire organization," Chairman Dan Rooney said in a statement. "He will forever be remembered for what he meant to the Steelers both on and off the field."

Greenwood was taken in the 10th round of the 1969 NFL draft — nine rounds after Greene — out of Arkansas A&M (now Arkansas Pine-Bluff). He blossomed into a tenacious pass rusher who used his superior speed to blow past offensive tackles and into the backfield. Though sacks did not become an official statistic until after his retirement, Greenwood posted 73½ during his 13-year career.

Greenwood thrived in the postseason. He sacked Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach four times in the 1976 Super Bowl, a 21-17 Pittsburgh victory.

Unlike the quiet Holmes, the intimidating White and the unparalleled Greene, Greenwood was a showman. While recovering from an ankle injury during the 1973 season, Greenwood wore a pair of high top cleats that a friend painted gold. He wore them twice — both Steelers wins — and went back to his usual cleats after the ankle healed. The Steelers lost the ensuing game, and the gold cleats soon returned.

Knee problems forced Greenwood to retire before the 1982 season. His 13 years in Pittsburgh are tied for the third-longest tenure with the team in franchise history. Greenwood remained in Pittsburgh after his retirement, working as an entrepreneur and motivational speaker.

Despite support from his teammates — including Greene — Greenwood has not been enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was a finalist six times, the last coming in 2006.

___

WILL GRAVES, AP Sports Writer
AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org


Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Guest Book

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craigI remember you and Dwight and Ernie and Joe and the ferocity that the steel curtain brought to the game--R.I.P.

You will always be in my thoughts and prayers that you are in Gods hall of fame. I thank you for all the great memories you gave me during my teenage years and though i live on the other side of the country, i am stiller proud thanks to you. God bless, rest in peace. May the world see only one color someday, the color or positive, gentle, honest, and inclusive spirits. Brian Cohen Allderdice class of '79

ONE OF THE GREATS...I LOVED WATCHING ONE PLAY FOOTBALL BACK IN THE DAY...WONDERFUL MEMORIES...RIH..GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Now the NFL brings L.C. his "Golden Ball" to Canton MS in 2016 . Should go great with the gold shoes ! Class of 1965 @ Rogers is the graduating class for Mr. Greenwood . I WILL be there to see this honor presented . Legendary statistics on the field of course ... but it is amazing the absolute class & charm this man had off the field as well . Your old home town of Canton MS is so proud of you LC... who needs Canton Ohio ! Peace to you in heaven neighbor ... I wish we had met ....

L.C. YOUR NAME WILL LIVE FOR EVER. MY BROTHER..!

I'll miss LC I met him in his second year with the Steelers I certainly increased my appreciation of football thx to him and a 40 yr friendship included. A rare thing

Most definately one of the best and dominating defensive ends in the game. Aide and was a member of the most feared front four, The Steel Curtain. L.C. you will be missed but not forgotten. I loved those gold high top cleats you wore, although worn for the ankle injury, they stood out as a fashion statement. I send my coledences to the Greenwood family. May L.C. rest in peace.

. . . AND HE WILL BE REMEMBERED ( ARKANSAS AM&N COLLEGE / PINE BLUFF ARKANSAS / 1964 - 1969 / UPPER CLASSMAN / ETC ) BY THOSE OF US - WHO WENT TO COLLEGE WITH US ( EVERY TIME WE SAW A PITTSBURGH STEELERS FOOTBALL GAME - WE REMEMBERED WHEN - "LC" )YOU REST IN PEACE ( WHILE WE FINISH THE TASK )
THAT YOU STARTED & IS ENTITLE TO - WE ARE NOT GOING TO LET YOU DOWN ...

Enjoyed watching you play football with the Pittsburgh Steelers. That steel curtain was amazing to watch back in the day. To be absent from the body and present with the Lord is eternal. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favor is life,weeping may endure for a night,but joy comes in the morning. Psalms 30:5 Rest in Peace.