September 29, 2013
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Former Pittsburgh Steeler L.C. Greenwood, a four-time Super Bowl champion, six-time Pro Bowler and member of the legendary Steel Curtain, has died. He was 67.
Greenwood, No. 68, was a big part of the Steel Curtain. With four Super Bowl rings and regular appearances in the Pro Bowl, Greenwood has been a Steelers’ fan favorite from the late ‘60s on.
Greenwood died Sunday afternoon after a brief stay in a Pittsburgh hospital following surgery. A cause of death has not yet been released.
The defensive end was a part of the Steelers for 13 years, and was known for his gold shoes on the field.
Trouble with his knees would eventually force Greenwood and those legendary gold shoes to retire.
“I think L.C.’s greatest legacy is that he lived life to the fullest,” said former Steeler John Banaszak.
He was a 10th-round draft pick for the Steelers in 1969, and his contributions to the team continued until his retirement in 1981.
“As a player coming into this organization, the bar has been set high by these guys,” said former Steeler Charlie Batch. “They won four Super Bowls. What more can you expect when you come in and you see guys like that. And there are four Lombardi Trophies there to remind you of it.”
Although he was a native of Canton, Miss., Greenwood chose to make Pittsburgh his home after retirement as an entrepreneur with the formation of Greenwood Enterprises.
But it is his stats, his heart and his football prowess that touched the lives of teammates, fans and the Steelers that came after him.
“He made this his home,” said Batch. “He’s not originally from here, but Pittsburgh was his home, and he went out there and he never shied away from the fact that he was letting people know, ‘Hey, I live in Pittsburgh and I represent the city well.’ And when you see that, it’s just one of those things that anytime that he goes out there, he just wants to go out there and really show heartwarming spirit in everything that he did.”
“He was a gentle giant. He finished his career and he was a great businessman in the community,” said former Steeler Edmund Nelson. “L.C. was a mentor to me and my good golf buddy. He was just good people.”
The Steelers have issued a statement on Greenwood’s passing:
“L.C. Greenwood was one of the all-time great Steelers and one of the leaders of the legendary “Steel Curtain” defense in the 1970s. 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. He will be forever remembered for what he meant to the Steelers both on and off the field. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family.”
“L.C. Greenwood was one of the all-time great Steelers and one of the leaders of the legendary “Steel Curtain” defense in the 1970s. 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. He will be forever remembered for what he meant to the Steelers both on and off the field. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family.”
Greenwood is survived by one adult daughter and several other family members.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
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