Tuesday’s “First Call” gives us wide-ranging reaction to the passing of Hall of Fame Steelers linebacker Kevin Greene.
Another former Steelers star has seen enough of the team’s offense. Myles Garrett is still dealing with covid-19 aftereffects. And everybody is piling on JuJu Smith-Schuster.
I mean everybody.
Remembering a star
Current members of the Pittsburgh Steelers took to social media to honor the passing of Kevin Greene.
Before the team’s Monday night game, the team confirmed that the Hall of Fame former Steeler died Monday. The pass-rushing phenom was 58 years old.
His legacy hasn’t been lost on the current players.
So sad to hear the news of Kevin Greene passing away. I only had a couple of interactions with him but when we did talk he always spoke with great energy and passion. May he be at peace and his family stay strong.
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) December 21, 2020
RIP KEVIN GREENE https://t.co/HD8B7VHo5r
— Joe Haden (@joehaden23) December 21, 2020
Defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt posted a photo and promised to honor Greene’s No. 91 on his jersey.
Meanwhile, head coach Bill Cowher and some of Greene’s teammates from the 1990s also sent out thoughts and memories of Greene.
We lost a legend in Kevin Greene. He was a HOF player and even better person. His passion for football and life exuded in everything he did. His spirit will live forever. Condolences to Tara and the entire Greene family. Heaven just got better on Defense. Love that man.
— Bill Cowher (@CowherCBS) December 22, 2020
I will miss you my brother and my prayers go out to his wife and kids! Brothers 4Ever pic.twitter.com/lcTITTYY0Z
— Rod Woodson (@RodWoodson26) December 22, 2020
R.I.P. to Kevin Green. One of the greatest to ever sack a QB. Thanks for helping me as a rookie become a pro. 1LOVE! #RUSHMASTER
— Brentson Buckner (@faithbeforefame) December 21, 2020
People ask abt my playing days “Do you miss it?” My answer is always the same…I miss my brothers, my guys. Kevin was at the top of that list. One of the best to ever do it but somehow was a better man than he was a player. Love you and will miss you KG! @steelers #Pittsburgh pic.twitter.com/aQVvYvzGyP
— Chad Brown (@chadbrown94) December 22, 2020
My Friend, Kevin Greene, gone too soon. Blitzburgh will never be the same! #SteelersNation #NFL #AuburnTiger #SEC #PittsburghSteelers #NFLRedZone #
— Lorenzo Levon Kirkland (@levon_kirkland) December 21, 2020
The other organizations Greene represented over the years also sent their condolences.
Former #Packers assistant coach Kevin Greene has passed away at the age of 58.
Greene was Green Bay's outside linebackers coach for five seasons (2009-13), including the Super Bowl XLV championship year. https://t.co/C3ZcvEO4KU
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 21, 2020
Our thoughts are with the family of NFL legend Kevin Greene. A former Jets coach, Kevin made a positive impact on everyone he met. He'll be missed. pic.twitter.com/ok2MP8LNp4
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 21, 2020
The 49ers organization extends its prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Kevin Greene.
A member of the @ProFootballHOF, Greene wore the red and gold in 1997. He registered 10.5 sacks and helped the 49ers win the NFC West. pic.twitter.com/PeiiKMxseA
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 21, 2020
We lost a part of history today https://t.co/eKRepCpEcl
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 21, 2020
In memory of Los Angeles Rams + NFL Legend, Kevin Greene. pic.twitter.com/1kppvHx2hD
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 21, 2020
So did some players who were opponents and teammates of Greene on other clubs.
Kevin Greene was a true warrior and a dear friend!!! As much as I disliked playing against him I loved everything about him at the same time and I loved him like a brother. Gods army just got much stronger RIP brother
— Brett Favre (@BrettFavre) December 21, 2020
Man, I am heartbroken by the news that we have lost Kevin Greene. One of the greatest men I have had the honor of working with. I will always remember the passion and integrity you displayed in everything you did. Your Cobra will live on in me! RIP KG
— John Kuhn (@kuhnj30) December 21, 2020
Made a deal with Kevin Greene @packers training camp 2010 that if we won the SB we get Lombardi trophy tattoos and I’ll be damned if we didn’t do it! RIP Kevin Greene…. Damn
— Charles Woodson (@CharlesWoodson) December 21, 2020
Just floored hearing the news of Kevin Greene passing! Great football player and even greater man! Say hello to my Brother DT in heaven. Rest easy my Brother!!!
— Cornelius Bennett (@realcbennett97) December 21, 2020
Greene totaled 160 career sacks over 15 years while earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors with the Rams, Steelers and Panthers. He was named to the Pro Bowl five times during his career. His sack total is third all-time behind Bruce Smith and Reggie White.
It ain’t just us
For those of you thinking that it’s just the fans and media criticizing the Steelers, guess again.
Even former Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier is letting his opinions be known.
Man if we don’t fix offense. This season going to end quick.
— Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier) December 22, 2020
Go ahead. You tell him he’s wrong.
By the way, though, the defense is also struggling. I know they were put in a tough spot by that putrid offense. But allowing 27 points to Cincinnati without forcing a turnover and getting just two sacks is a joke. Especially with third-string quarterback Ryan Finley at the helm.
The Bengals had 22 giveaways coming into the game. Only five teams had more. They had none Monday night.
Now that’s low
It wasn’t just the NFL world making fun of JuJu Smith-Schuster for fumbling at midfield after he did his TikTok dance there before the game.
The @Bengals' description of JuJu … pic.twitter.com/JqJNdwcP9M
— ESPN (@espn) December 22, 2020
Even NHL team Twitter accounts are piling on.
Remind us not to Tik Tok on any logos.
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) December 22, 2020
That’s a little mouthy for a franchise that hasn’t won a playoff series since 2012. But I appreciate the sarcasm.
Can you TikTok dance in skates by the way? Uh oh. Maybe I shouldn’t give JuJu any ideas. He’ll be skating on the Flyers logo by January.
Not better yet
Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett is back from the covid-19 list. But he’s still battling aftereffects of the disease. He missed two games earlier in the season, but he has played the last three. Following Sunday night’s win against the New York Giants, Garrett complained of lingering issues.
“I am just getting over a coughing fit from the locker room earlier,” Garrett said during a postgame interview. “I am trying to get some water into my system and be able to breathe. Taking those deep big breaths are tough right now with the shortness of breath and that turning into a cough or getting choked up.
“When I get off of the field, I can catch my breath and maybe go see someone and try to work with someone. Hopefully, if we make it to the playoffs, I can try to get myself to as close to 100 percent as possible.”
Garrett had four tackles and half a sack. The Steelers visit Cleveland in Week 17.
If Mason Rudolph plays, maybe Garrett will be too winded to swing a helmet at him.
