As a part of Black History Month, we are highlighting those involved with the Steelers organization who attended HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).
In today's spotlight, we are highlighting defensive end L.C. Greenwood, who attended Arkansas AM&N.
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L.C. Greenwood
Defensive End (1969-81)
Former Steelers defensive end L.C. Greenwood, who is a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 in the Seniors category, was drafted by the Steelers in the 10th round of the 1969 NFL Draft, the 238th overall pick out of Arkansas AM&N (now Arkansas Pine Bluff). While at Arkansas AM&N, he was a 1968 Ebony All-American in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
Greenwood played 13 seasons for the Steelers, becoming a starter in his third season, and was a key part of the Steelers four Super Bowl championships in the 1970s.
Greenwood was a member of the Steel Curtain defense, along with Joe Greene, Dwight White and Ernie Holmes, that dominated opposing offenses.
Greene credited Greenwood with some of his success.
"I would not have had nearly the success without L.C.," said Greene. "We were partners."
"L.C. helped me and Jack Ham immensely on that side. I could do things because I knew that L.C. could cover me. We had a lot of fun together. But we won a lot together. And he was a huge part of that."
Greenwood, who was known for his gold high top shoes, was a mountain of a man who played like a nimble linebacker.
"L.C. was about six-five and a half, maybe six-six, 238-240 pounds, and he could run a four-six forty," said Greene. "He ran by me many times to get to a play and places that I couldn't get to. L.C., at his size, weight, particularly his weight, most guys that size didn't play the way he did.
"L.C. had the ability, because of his length, he could get separation, he could get stalemates at the line of scrimmage against the bigger guys. And he was an adept, astute pass rusher. In our time together, L.C. was the number one sacker on the team. And he stayed that way for a long time, until as of late."
In Greenwood's first year as a starter in 1971 he had five fumble recoveries. He led the Steelers in sacks with 8.5 in 1973, following by a career-high 11 sacks in 1974, both which were 14-game seasons. He finished his career with 73.5 sacks, a number that still ranks fifth all-time in Steelers history.
Greenwood also had 12.5 postseason sacks, which is tied for fifth all-time in the NFL for postseason sacks.
"He gets less credit than he deserves playing next to Joe," said Hall of Fame linebacker Jack Ham. "No question Joe deserves all the accolades he has received. But L.C. deserves them too."
He was a two-time first team Associated Press All-Pro selection (1974, 1975) and a six-time Pro Bowl selection (1973-76, 1978-79). He was also a member of the Steelers 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team and was a member of the inaugural Steelers Hall of Honor Class of 2017.
"In my view, when L.C. was playing, he was easily in the top three, four defensive ends that were playing during that time," said Greene. "L.C. was a partner of mine on the line for 13 years and he was a wonderful teammate. When we were rookies, he played backup to the left defensive end and the right defensive end, Lloyd Voss and Ben McGee. He made such an impact, it forced the release and change of positions of the other two defensive ends. Lloyd Voss was waived. He was getting close to retirement. Ben McGee was moved to inside as a tackle. And L.C. became a full-time starter.
"With L.C. beside me, and us working together, we accomplished some pretty good things together. I emphasize together because our ability to communicate and work together on certain things and different times during games, we worked against different formations and knew what was happening.
"We would be on the same page through a look, a tap on the helmet or grab each others's face mask, and they meant different things. We never missed a call. Actually, the only call we missed was in the Super Bowl. That was when Chuck Foreman ran inside for 11 yards. And that was it. For that game they only got 19 yards. And it was on me because I didn't make the signal."
