Greene's early years with the Rams saw him transition from a special teams player to a starting linebacker. His breakout season came in 1988 when he recorded 16.5 sacks, establishing himself as one of the league's premier pass rushers. Over the next few years, Greene continued to excel with the Rams, earning Pro Bowl selections in 1989 and 1990. His aggressive playing style and high-energy performances made him a fan favorite and a feared opponent on the field.
In 1993, Greene signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he joined forces with fellow linebacker Greg Lloyd to form one of the most intimidating linebacker duos in the NFL. During his three seasons with the Steelers, Greene's sack totals remained impressive, and he was named to the Pro Bowl twice more. His leadership and tenacity helped the Steelers reach Super Bowl XXX, although they ultimately fell to the Dallas Cowboys.
Greene's career took another turn in 1996 when he joined the Carolina Panthers. In his first season with the Panthers, he led the NFL in sacks with 14.5, earning him the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. Greene's presence was instrumental in the Panthers' run to the NFC Championship Game that year, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league's top defensive players.
After a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers in 1997, Greene returned to the Panthers for the final two seasons of his career. He continued to perform at a high level, recording double-digit sack totals in both seasons before retiring after the 1999 campaign. Greene finished his career with 160 sacks, ranking him among the all-time leaders in NFL history.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Greene was known for his charismatic personality and distinctive long blond hair, which became his trademark. His passion for the game and his relentless work ethic earned him respect from teammates and opponents alike. In recognition of his outstanding career, Greene was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
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