Joe Greene, and the Three Who Aren’t There

SI Staff | Oct 31, 2014

Joe Greene, and the Three Who Aren’t There

Holmes was nicknamed Fats, though his listed playing weight of 260 would be more fit for a linebacker than a defensive tackle these days. (Heinz Kluetmeier/Sports Illustrated)

Holmes was nicknamed Fats, though his listed playing weight of 260 would be more fit for a linebacker than a defensive tackle these days. (Heinz Kluetmeier/Sports Illustrated)

Greene and Holmes jostling in 1973. Greene was the fourth overall pick in the 1969 draft, out of North Texas State; Holmes was a 1971 eighth-rounder from Texas Southern. (AP)

Greene and Holmes jostling in 1973. Greene was the fourth overall pick in the 1969 draft, out of North Texas State; Holmes was a 1971 eighth-rounder from Texas Southern. (AP)

Fats, Lynn Swann and the Steelers enjoy a victory in the 1974 AFC Championship Game, and the Steelers’ first trip to the Super Bowl. (Heinz Kluetmeier/Sports Illustrated)

Fats, Lynn Swann and the Steelers enjoy a victory in the 1974 AFC Championship Game, and the Steelers’ first trip to the Super Bowl. (Heinz Kluetmeier/Sports Illustrated)

Wrapping up Minnesota’s Dave Osborn in Super Bowl IX. The Vikings gained just 17 yards on the ground. (James Drake/Sports Illustrated)

Wrapping up Minnesota’s Dave Osborn in Super Bowl IX. The Vikings gained just 17 yards on the ground. (James Drake/Sports Illustrated)

Holmes, Greenwood and Greene celebrate the 16–6 win over Minnesota, and Pittsburgh’s first NFL title. (James Drake/Sports Illustrated)

Holmes, Greenwood and Greene celebrate the 16–6 win over Minnesota, and Pittsburgh’s first NFL title. (James Drake/Sports Illustrated)

“Ernie is very much like Pittsburgh,” Chuck Noll once said. “Much better than its reputation.” (AP)

“Ernie is very much like Pittsburgh,” Chuck Noll once said. “Much better than its reputation.” (AP)

Holmes draws a bead on Robert Newhouse in Super Bowl X. (Neil Leifer/Sports Illustrated)

Holmes draws a bead on Robert Newhouse in Super Bowl X. (Neil Leifer/Sports Illustrated)

By January ’76, Holmes had let his trademark arrowhead grow out. (Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated)

By January ’76, Holmes had let his trademark arrowhead grow out. (Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated)

Ernie Holmes at a Steelers homecoming in 2007. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

Ernie Holmes at a Steelers homecoming in 2007. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)