Legendary Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman “Mean” Joe Greene will announce the Steelers' first-round pick at the NFL Draft on Thursday, according to Teresa Varley of Pittsburgh's official team website.
Greene was honored by the team's decision.
“It is special,” Greene said. “Since my draft day, more than 50 years ago, to be here and to announce the Pittsburgh Steelers No. 1 draft choice is very humbling, very humbling.”
The Hall-of-Famer spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the Steelers, racking up 10 Pro Bowl appearances and four First-Team All-Pro selections. Most importantly, he helped Pittsburgh win four Super Bowls.
Article Continues BelowGreene, who played his collegiate football at North Texas, was originally selected by the Steelers with the fourth overall pick of the 1969 NFL Draft. Now, he will get to call the pick that may very well be the next Greene, or at least a potential franchise cornerstone, and he will make sure to let that player know just what he is getting into:
“I will be sure to let him know that this is the best organization in the National Football League,” Greene said. “It is good top to bottom. That is what you are looking for. To have a genuine organization that gives you the opportunity to succeed and have fun. That is the bottom line. To succeed and enjoy yourself.”
The Steelers are coming off of a disappointing 2018 campaign in which they went 9-6-1 and missed the playoffs, marking the first time that Pittsburgh failed to qualify for the postseason since 2013.
Mike Tomlin's club is just one year removed from a 13-win season.