“Mean” Joe Greene, Temple Dunbar High School Class of 1965, is being inducted in to the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2017. The latest badge of honor to Greene’s luxurious career includes: four Super Bowl championships with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 1987, his high school field being named after him, and of course an iconic Coke commercial.
Greene joins former players, Joe Crutcher, Love Smith, Johnny Walker, Dat Nguyen, Reggie McNeal and coaches Steve Lineweaver and Eddy Peach. Former Converse Judson athletic director Frank Arnold rounds out the list of inductees as he receives the Dave Campbell Special Contributor to the Game.
But for “Mean Joe Green”, his contributions to the high school game runs deeper than just what he did on the field. Yes, his hard hitting play led him to a college career at North Texas where he as an All-American. But, Greene was a big proponent and voice for getting the law “No Pass No Play” launched in Texas in 1984.
The Washington Post did a study in 1985 when the law took place and found that: “The losses at the junior varsity and freshman level were far more severe. About 40 percent flunked at least one course, forcing dozens of schools around the state to cancel the rest of their games. Bands, debate teams and 4-H clubs were wiped out, as more than 50 percent of the students in public schools were barred from extracurricular activity. Last spring, when the state law took effect for the first time, about 46 percent of the students did not pass.”
The ruling has helped keep kids focused on their grades; while excelling on the field.
So when “Mean Joe” goes into the hall of fame on May 6 at the Ferrell Center he will be celebrated for everything that he’s done on the gridiron. Which, he has brought so much joy to so many fans from his menacing play.
However, if not for Joe joining on with then Texas Governor Mark White and Ross Perot, kids wouldn’t have education being as important as what happens on Friday nights. As he knew that football will come and go. But, a high school education will last for ever.
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