L.C. Greenwood and Dwight White Lead the Underrated Defensive End Duos Excluded from the Hall of Fame
Linebacker U Deserves Defensive End Recognition
Despite producing a plethora of Hall of Fame linebackers, Pittsburgh’s defensive reputation has overshadowed the impact of their defensive ends. L.C. Greenwood and Dwight White, both fierce pass rushers in the 1970s and 80s, epitomize this oversight.
L.C. Greenwood: The Sack Specialist
Greenwood, a 6’6 end with lightning-fast reflexes, tormented opposing quarterbacks. His signature move, the Greenwood Leap, saw him hurtle over offensive linemen to record sacks. In 1979, he became the first player in NFL history with 20.5 sacks in a season. Despite his dominance, Greenwood never received the individual accolades he deserved.
Dwight White: The Versatile Powerhouse
White, a 6’5 end with a sturdy frame, was the perfect complement to Greenwood. His strength and agility allowed him to excel in both pass rushing and run defense. White’s versatility and consistent play made him one of the most underrated defensive ends of his era. He anchored the Steelers’ esteemed defense for 13 seasons, starting 157 games.
A Dynamic Duo Denied
Together, Greenwood and White formed an unstoppable force. Their combined athleticism, technique, and relentless determination transformed the Steelers’ defense into one of the most feared in the NFL. Yet, despite their collective brilliance, neither player has been inducted into the Hall of Fame. This glaring omission casts doubt on the fairness of the selection process.
Snubbed by History
- L.C. Greenwood: 6x Pro Bowl, 5x All-Pro, NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- Dwight White: 2x Pro Bowl, 1x All-Pro, Steelers’ Ring of Honor
Greenwood and White’s exclusion from the Hall of Fame is a testament to the NFL’s bias towards offensive players. Their omission diminishes the legacy of one of the greatest defensive duos in league history. It’s time the Hall of Fame recognizes the contributions of these unsung heroes.
Kind regards J. Brown
