{"id":1099,"date":"2026-09-24T16:54:22","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T20:54:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.library.unt.edu\/yesterdays-news\/?p=1099"},"modified":"2026-09-24T16:54:23","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T20:54:23","slug":"hey-kid-catch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.library.unt.edu\/yesterdays-news\/2026\/09\/24\/hey-kid-catch\/","title":{"rendered":"“Hey Kid, Catch!”"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Today, North Texas football legend “Mean” Joe Greene turns 80!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Greene was a defensive tackle for North Texas from 1966-1968 under coach Odus Mitchell.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The strong defensive front helped lead the Eagles to back-to-back conference titles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Greene made history as the first North Texas All-American.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Joe Greene was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1969 NFL draft. He was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year and selected for the Pro Bowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Even after being drafted to the Steelers, Greene returned to North Texas to promote his alma mater.<\/p>\n\n\n