Ranking the top 10 defensive players in NFL history… 5. Joe Greene Drafted fourth overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1969 NFL Draft out of North Texas State, Joe Greene quickly established himself as a dominant defensive tackle, earning the nickname “Mean Joe” and anchoring the “Steel Curtain” defense. Over his entire 13-season career with the Steelers, Greene was pivotal in transforming a perennial loser into a dynasty, contributing to four Super Bowl wins (IX, X, XIII, XIV) in six years. He won NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice (1972, 1974) and earned five First-team All-Pro selections. His standout 1974 season included leading the defense to hold opponents under 10 points per game