MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2014 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Jones, Browning, Burton, Butler (38th), Carmichael, Clarke, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Jolly, Kirby, Lee, Longwitz, Simmons (12th), Simmons (13th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS OF FORMER PITTSBURGH STEELERS' STAR DEFENSIVE END L.C. GREENWOOD OF CANTON, MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, L.C. Greenwood of Canton, Mississippi, the relentless defensive end who made up one-quarter of the Pittsburgh Steelers' "Steel Curtain" defense of the 1970s, passed away on September 29, 2013, at the age of 67; and
WHEREAS, L.C. Greenwood played for the Steelers from 1969 to 1981 and earned four Super Bowl rings. Selected to the Pro Bowl six times, he registered over 73 career sacks, which ranks second in franchise history. Greenwood, who was born September 8, 1946, in Canton, Mississippi, became widely respected for his consistency and his knack of avoiding major career-threatening injuries; and
WHEREAS, L.C. Greenwood teamed up with Hall of Famer defensive linemen Joe Greene, Dwight White and Ernie Holmes to form the dominant defensive front four in the NFL in the 1970s. Many football historians consider it to be the best front four of all time; and
WHEREAS, L.C. Greenwood was one of several players the Steelers drafted or signed from small historically black colleges in the 1970s. He was a 10th-round draft choice from Arkansas AM&N (now Arkansas-Pine Bluff), and the Steelers discovered him when going to scout another player; and
WHEREAS, at 6' 6" inches tall, L.C. Greenwood eventually played at 245 pounds and was a menace to opposing quarterbacks. If Greenwood didn't sack quarterbacks, he often batted down their passes; and
WHEREAS, in the first of many clutch performances in big games, L.C. Greenwood batted down two passes in the Steelers' first Super Bowl victory, against Minnesota in 1975. In the Super Bowl X victory against Dallas the following year, Greenwood sacked Roger Staubach four times in the 21-17 win. 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; and
WHEREAS, L.C. Greenwood was a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005 and 2006 but was not elected either year. There had been a movement in recent years to get him into the Hall of Fame via the seniors committee. Nicknamed "Hollywood Bags" and known for wearing golden shoes, L.C. Greenwood quickly established himself with the Steelers. In 1971, he had five fumble recoveries, which tied for the NFL lead. In 1974, he posted a career-high 11 sacks; and
WHEREAS, 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. He started and ran several businesses, including a construction and paving company, a packaging company, and an engineering firm. He also appeared in several national and local commercials, including a national Miller Lite beer campaign. Mr. Greenwood was a life member of the NAACP, a member of the Screen Actors Guild, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists; and
WHEREAS, survivors include his children, Chelsea Greenwood and Fernando Greenwood; sisters: Shelly Greenwood, Annie Greenwood, Goffan Greenwood Simmons, Katie Greenwood Young and Janice Greenwood Aderhold; brothers: Moses Greenwood, Jr., Henry Greenwood and Michael Greenwood; and two grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of this outstanding NFL legend who was "as tough as they come" and brought great credit upon his native state:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss of former Pittsburgh Steelers' star defensive end L.C. Greenwood of Canton, Mississippi, and extend the sympathy of the Legislature to his surviving family on his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of L.C. Greenwood, forwarded to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.