The NFL was dealt some heartbreaking news after it was announced that Hall of Fame linebacker Kevin Greene, who played for the Los Angeles Rams, passed away at the age of 58 years old.
Greene is regarded as one of the most prolific pass rushers of all time after finishing with the third-most sacks (160) in NFL history. His efforts helped him get enshrined in Canton back in 2016.
Greene spent the bulk of his illustrious career in Los Angeles, and the Rams organization offered up their condolences to his family after the news was announced:
“The Rams family and the NFL lost a game changer today. We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Kevin Greene, who left an indelible mark on the Rams franchise with his passion for greatness and his love for teammates and coaches. He defined what it means to be a Los Angeles Ram, on and off the field, elevating everyone around him through his extraordinary leadership and commitment to serving others. Our thoughts are with the Greene family, his friends, and the countless people he inspired throughout his life,”
Greene spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Rams after being taken in the fifth round of the 1985 NFL Draft. He would go on take make a tremendous impact for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers before wrapping things up with the San Francisco 49ers.
Green finished his career as a three-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection while also taking home NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1996. His 160 sacks have him slotted behind only Bruce Smith (200) and Reggie White (198). He also had 23 forced fumbles and five interceptions.
Once Greene’s playing days were over, he took up coaching gigs with the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets. He also made the transition to pro wrestling as a member of World Championship Wrestling.
Greene’s cause of death still has yet to be revealed.
