Steelers' Joe Greene Exposed The 1 Player Who Helped Them Win 4 Super Bowls

The Pittsburgh Steelers of the '70s were a dynasty like none other during that time. The team captured four Super Bowl titles behind their legendary Steel Curtain defense, the leadership of Head Coach Chuck Noll, the arm of Terry Bradshaw, and the powerful running of Franco Harris. With a roster stacked full of future Hall of Famers, it’s often difficult to single out just one player who made the biggest impact during that incredible run.

While names like Lynn Swann, Jack Lambert, and Mel Blount often get brought up in those conversations, Harris’ contributions stood out in a different way. His ability to control the tempo of a game, wear down defenses, and show up in clutch moments made him a foundational piece of Pittsburgh’s success. Many credit Harris as the engine of the offense during those Super Bowl years, even if he didn’t always get the same level of attention as some of his teammates.

"Franco was very, very special to the team and to [the] Pittsburgh Steelers and the city of Pittsburgh, 'cause we didn't win anything before Franco. And we ended up winning four Super Bowls with him," Greene said. "We called him a big Hummer. He could get down."

Greene admitted that Harris wasn’t just special because of what he did on the field, but also because of the kind of person he was off of it. Harris left a lasting impact on the Steelers organization and the city of Pittsburgh through his humility, kindness, and leadership. He is one of only three players in franchise history to have his number officially retired, along with Ernie Stautner and Greene himself.

While several Steelers legends, including Bradshaw, have had their numbers quietly withheld from circulation, the team has only formally retired a few. That makes Harris’ honor all the more meaningful and highlights the deep respect the organization had for him. His legacy is built not just on his football achievements, but on the way he carried himself throughout his career.

Greene explained what made Harris such a remarkable human being and beloved teammate. From his tireless work ethic and steady presence to the respect he earned in the locker room, Greene made it clear that Harris was the heart of those championship teams in more ways than one.

"Franco... special man. Franco was so, so special," Greene said. "He never met a stranger. He treated everyone like I've been knowing you all my life. And smile for them. Give him hugs and take pictures and sign autographs. He wasn't like me. I would growl sometimes. Franco was special."

Franco Harris played 12 seasons with the Steelers, during which he not only shattered records but consistently thrived. Over his career in Pittsburgh, Harris carried the ball 2,881 times for an impressive 11,950 rushing yards. 

He averaged 4.1 yards per carry and scored 100 touchdowns. His outstanding performance earned him nine Pro Bowl selections, a spot in the Hall of Fame, the Super Bowl IX MVP award, and, of course, four Super Bowl championships.

Steelers Didn't Win Until Franco Harris Showed Up

While Greene was an incredibly valuable force for the Steelers during the '70s, he was quick to give credit to Harris for much of the team’s success.