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Steelers Legend Joe Greene Fires Back Hard at Jay Gruden’s “Doesn’t Do Anything Well” Jab at Head Coach Mike Tomlin: “Nobody Gets to Judge the Steelers If They Haven’t Been in Our Shoes.”

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 21/11/2025

Jay Gruden’s harsh criticism that the Pittsburgh Steelers “don’t do anything well” sparked a wave of debate across the football world. But while opinions were flying, the person who stepped forward to defend the franchise wasn’t a current player — it was the face of the Steel Curtain itself. “Mean” Joe Greene, the symbol of Pittsburgh’s identity for half a century.

Greene didn’t hold back. He delivered his message with the same directness and intensity that defined his Hall of Fame career, reminding the NFL why the Steelers remain one of the most respected organizations in sports.

“No one has the right to judge the Steelers when they’re not living the pressure this team carries every week. They’re not in the locker room, not seeing the effort our players pay just to stand their ground. Using a few cold numbers to say a team doesn’t do anything well is disrespectful. and it’s not the way you evaluate a group like Pittsburgh.”

Greene emphasized that football is far more than statistics. He pushed back against Gruden’s claim that the Steelers lack any true offensive or defensive threats outside of T. J. Watt. To Greene, the heart and resilience of Pittsburgh matter more than any chart or box score could ever show.

The Steelers sit at 6-4. leading the AFC North. despite a wave of injuries. shifting personnel. and the challenge of installing a new offensive rhythm around Aaron Rodgers. What Gruden labels as “doing nothing well,” Greene believes is exactly what defines them — grit. survival. and the ability to stay afloat when everything around them is stacked against them.

The legend also reminded critics of Pittsburgh’s long history of proving doubters wrong. Some of the Steelers’ most unforgettable seasons came after being dismissed or underestimated. Greene sees the same rebellious spark in Mike Tomlin’s current group.

He added that Gruden is judging the Steelers through the lens of yardage and offensive efficiency. while the essence of Pittsburgh has always been toughness. situational football. and composure when the moment is biggest — qualities many teams simply don’t have.

As the NFL continues to debate whether Gruden’s comments hold weight. Greene’s voice echoed like a reminder from another era. One that insists the Steelers never needed outside validation to know who they are.

And once the greatest legend in franchise history speaks. the league understands one thing clearly: the argument may continue. but the Steelers’ identity remains unshaken.

 

BREAKING: Bears Among Top Landing Spots for Former $141 Million Future Hall of Fame Pass Rusher
Chicago, Illinois – January 2026 Chicago Bears are reportedly one of the top landing spots for Khalil Mack, a former $141 million edge rusher, as he is set to hit free agency in the spring. The 34-year-old player, widely regarded as a future Hall of Famer, is expected to be a top target for teams looking to add a veteran pass rusher to their roster, and the Bears could be the perfect fit. After spending the past few years with the Los Angeles Chargers, Mack had a solid 2025 season, recording 5.5 sacks and 39 quarterback pressures. While Mack may not be the dominant force he once was, he remains a top-tier pass rusher and a leader with invaluable experience, potentially providing a significant boost to the Bears' defense, which is on the rise. According to Zachary Pereles from CBS Sports, the Bears could be the most likely destination for Mack. “Mack returns to Chicago, where he starred from 2018-2021. The Bears need to boost their pass rush without spending too much, and Mack fits that perfectly,” Pereles said. The Bears have the salary cap flexibility to bring Mack in without making a massive financial commitment, making him a sensible option for a team looking to bolster its defense without overspending. The Bears have shown strong defensive potential under head coach Mike Macdonald, but Mack could provide the veteran presence needed for a group of young, developing pass rushers. His leadership and ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks would be a welcome addition, and his past success with the Bears makes him an ideal candidate to return to Chicago. However, the Bears won’t be the only team competing for Mack. Other teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers, and Seattle Seahawks are also interested. The Bengals may need a replacement for Trey Hendrickson, the Panthers have multiple defensive needs, and the Seahawks have the cap space to make a big splash signing. “Bears is my old home, where I spent some of the most important years of my career. Even though I’ve been away, Chicago has always been in my heart. Coming back here is not just an opportunity to contribute to the team but a homecoming journey. I believe I can bring strength and experience to help the Bears go further, and if given the chance, I’ll do everything I can to help the team achieve great things,” Mack shared. For Mack, the final decision will depend on the role he’s offered and which team is best positioned to contend for a Super Bowl in the years ahead. But as the Bears continue their pursuit of a championship, they remain one of the most attractive landing spots for this veteran pass rusher.