Hall of Fame defensive end Joe Greene retires from Steelers' player personnel department

PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Famer Joe Greene is stepping down from his role in the team's player personnel department.

Greene announced his retirement on Monday. He had spent the last nine years as a special assistant for pro and college personnel for general manager Kevin Colbert. The 66-year-old Greene says he enjoyed his time scouting for the Steelers and will miss working with the organization.

Greene served as the cornerstone of Pittsburgh's "Steel Curtain" defense after being taken in the first round of the 1969 NFL Draft. He earned four Super Bowl rings with the Steelers and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987 following a 13-year career.

Steelers president Art Rooney II called Greene an "inspiration" to the franchise throughout his playing and coaching career.