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One of the greatest pass rushers in NFL history has died. Kevin Greene, a Hall of Fame edge rusher who spent the majority of his career with the Los Angeles Rams, died at the age of 58, as was announced by the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Monday. No cause of death was given.
The following is a statement from Hall of Fame President & CEO David Baker:
“The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Kevin Greene. I regarded him as a personal friend and a true Hall of Famer in every sense. He possessed the most incredible can-do attitude of anyone I ever met. He was a great player, but more than that, he was a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin’s wife, Tara, and their entire family. We will forever keep his legacy alive to serve as inspiration for future generations. The Hall of Fame flag will be flown at half-staff in Kevin’s memory.”
With 160 career sacks, Greene ranks third all-time, behind only Reggie White (198) and Bruce Smith (200). Greene spent eight years with the Rams before spending three with the Pittsburgh Steelers and one with the Carolina Panthers, then signing with the 49ers in 1997, when he had 10.5 sacks in 14 games at the age of 35. He finished his career in 1999 after two more years with Carolina.
Greene most recently served as outside linebackers coach for the New York Jets in 2018 under head coach Todd Bowles.