The Pittsburgh Steelers’ media team recently They aired a fantastic documentary. This week. Blitzberg We took a look at the Steelers’ fierce defense in the 1990s. Chad Brown, Levon Kirkland, Greg Lloyd, and others who coached them appeared on the show to share their perspectives. The only one who didn’t was the late Kevin Greene, who passed away in December 2020.
So his former teammates and coaches remembered him fondly and shared his legacy on the proud Steelers’ defense.
“He flipped a switch,” Levon Kirkland said, comparing Greene to a professional wrestler. “So he was a character on set, in front of the camera.”
Greene, who has long, flowing blonde hair, spent only three seasons with the Steelers. He made every moment count. During that span from 1993 to 1995, he recorded 35.5 sacks, advanced to the Pro Bowl twice, and was named first-team All-Pro once.
“He could rush the passer better than anyone I know,” Kirkland said. “He got the technology down.”
Greg Lloyd played opposite him. In a quiet, tense manner, the two shared the same mindset on the field. It’s about getting to the quarterback at all costs. They succeeded. In 1993, the duo combined for 18.5 sacks. In 1994, the number rapidly increased to 24, and in 1995, it reached 14.5.
The bookends formed the foundation of Blitzburgh and fit perfectly into Dick LeBeau’s Fire Zone defense, an aggressive, aggressive front. Everyone was involved in chasing the quarterback, but the scheme wouldn’t have been as strong if Greene hadn’t been off the edge.
“He’s just a fun, outgoing guy,” Lloyd said. “We had fun.”
Sacks aren’t just about adding stats or sacrificing greater defense. In all three seasons, the Steelers ranked in the top 10 in scoring and defense. They made the playoffs all three seasons and won their division twice. In 1995, the group made it to the Super Bowl but lost to the Dallas Cowboys in the big game. The lack of a ring is the only drawback to an incredible run.
Those players and that defensive framework still live on today. Those who have taken over the baton, like Jason Gildon, have credited Greene and Lloyd with paving the way. James Harrison said he learned his signature speed bull-rush from Kevin Greene. Even though the plan bears no resemblance to Fire Zone Days, it is said to be a legacy that resonates with today’s Steelers.
that The documentary went well. A capsule of special moments in Steelers history. The most impressive section without Lombardi at the end. It also includes a 2005 interview with Greene, along with current conversations with Bill Cowher, Rod Woodson, LeBeau, and past and present members of the organization.
