Former Steelers, led by emotional Joe Greene, celebrate 50th anniversary of Super Bowl IX
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Steelers legend "Mean" Joe Greene grew emotional Saturday while speaking at a reunion of players from the team's Super Bowl IX win 50 years ago.
The moment came when Greene recalled how head coach Chuck Noll had told players to have fun and that they were the best team in the league.
"That is what gave us the mindset to go out and play the game the way it's supposed to be played," Greene said, choking up. "We had fun and enjoyed it. Franco and 'Moon,' I'll never forget that play. 'Moon' pulled out and got the linebacker, Franco ran into the end zone for the score."
He credited their success to Noll.
"Chuck gave a great group of guys the mindset to come together and play as a group and know everyone was leaders, every one of us," Greene said, still emotional. "It just wasn't one guy, but that's what made it special. Super-super Steelers."
The Curtain Call event was held at Stage AE and featured eight Steelers who played on the Super Bowl IX team and three other former players. They shared memories from that year with the crowd.
"The guys who are here are brothers," said Jon Kolb of the reunion. "We may not see each other for a while, but then we come together, and it's like no time has gone by."
J. T. Thomas shared during the event how the game was won in the tunnel pregame when, while some of them were scared of the Vikings, Glenn Edwards used some choice words when speaking to their opponent that gave the Steelers some instant motivation.
Rocky Bleier said they all have stories they love to share.
"I probably will, more than likely, tell the story about the greatest running play that took place in Super Bowl IX, which I happen to carry the ball in," Bleier told KDKA-TV.
He jokingly reminded the crowd multiple times that he won the game for the Steelers.
Proceeds from the event went toward Jon Kolb's nonprofit, Adventures in Training with a Purpose.
The organization offers active service military, veterans, and first responders free mental and physical health services.
"What I get to do with ATP is I work hands-on with people that have bullet holes in their head, people that have been paralyzed, people that have chronic conditions."
Kolb leads their team, no doubt learning a thing or two from his coach a half-century ago.