NFL legend Kevin Greene passes away at 58

Legendary linebacker/defensive end and NFL Hall of Famer Kevin Greene has breathed his last on Monday. The cause of death is yet to be known.

Kevin Greene, who played for several NFL teams including Rams and Steelers, was known for his finesse in the art of pass rushing. In his professional career, Greene played for multiple teams including Rams and Steelers, becoming a five time Pro Bowler and three time First-team All-Pro player.

NFL to fly the Hall of Fame flag at half-staff to honour Kevin Greene

The saddening news was made official by Pro Football Hall of Fame President and CEO David Baker via a statement on the NFL’s official website, who also asserted that the Hall of Fame flag will be flown at half-staff to tribute the legend.

“The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Kevin Greene,” David Baker’s statement read, “I regarded him as a personal friend and a true Hall of Famer in every sense. He possessed the most incredible can-do attitude of anyone I ever met. He was a great player, but more than that, he was a great man.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin’s wife, Tara, and their entire family. We will forever keep his legacy alive to serve as inspiration for future generations. The Hall of Fame flag will be flown at half-staff in Kevin’s memory,” added Baker.

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In his 15 years of playing career starting from 1985, Greene has clocked 160 career sacks, the third-highest in the league’s history, behind  Bruce Smith (200) and Reggie White (198).

Greene spent the first seven seasons of his NFL career with the Rams, before switching sides with the Steelers in 1993, where he stayed for two years. He joined Panthers in 1996 and the next year moved to 49ers and returned to Carolina again in 1998, where he also retired from the sport in 1999.

In 1996, Greene was crowned Defensive Player of the Year by both the NFL and the NFC. Throughout his career, the linebacker made 773 tackles, 5 interceptions and 23 forced fumbles.

After his retirement as a player, Greene took up coaching duties and as a linebacker coach of Packers, he pocketed the Super Bowl XLV in 2011. Later, he also became the linebacker coach for Jets in 2017.

Alongside football, Greene also took up professional wrestling for a short time, joining  World Championship Wrestling (WCW) where he partnered with fellow NFL great  Steve McMichael and in the later years also worked with Roddy Piper and Ric Flair.