50-YARD LINE

     Sunday evening Heinz Field will be all abuzz with excitement. Yes, your Pittsburgh Steelers will be battling AFC North division rival the Baltimorons. No, the Steelers won't be sporting their bumble-bee uniforms. Sunday promises to be another historical day in a long line of momentous moments of this storied franchise. Sunday marks only the second time a Pittsburgh Steeler has his uniform number officially retired. Hall of Fame defensive tackle Ernie Stautner's #70 was the first. At half time on Sunday night, "Mean" Joe Greene, another Hall of Fame defensive tackle, #75 will be the second.

      It is only fitting that Greene's iconic jersey be retired. After all, Joe Greene was the first draft pick ever by a young, up-and-coming coach named Chuck Noll. Without Joe Greene, there would be no Steel Curtain defense, no 4 Super Bowl championships in 6 years, no Super Steelers dynasty.

      This is an honor that has been long overdue for #75. Mrs. Black-N-Gold can't help but wonder, had the Emperor not passed away this past June, would there even be a ceremony on Sunday? It's a shame to think that it took Chuck Noll's passing to goad the Rooneys into bestowing an honor that has long been ignored. But this is no time to think "coulda, shoulda, woulda".

       This is a time to honor a legend. It is time to thank "Mean" Joe and show him, once and for all, that without him, none of what's before us today would have come to pass. Thanksgiving is almost upon us. Let's give thanks to #75, "Mean" Joe Greene. And we will be secure in the knowledge that the Chief, the Emperor and Myron are all looking down that evening, raising an Iron and waving their Terrible Towels, too. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!