National Football League

Former Lions receiver Greene dies at age 90

Published Nov. 5, 2010 10:07 p.m. ET

foxsports

Former Lions receiver John Greene has died in suburban Detroit following a brief illness. He was 90.

The team said Friday that Greene died Thursday at his Franklin home.

Greene was a fifth-round draft pick by the Lions in 1944 out of the University of Michigan. He was nicknamed ''The Cinderella Kid'' for his quick rise to stardom.

As a professional, he played offense and defense before being moved from lineman to end in 1945. Greene led the team in receiving from 1945-47. The two-time team captain caught 173 passes for 2,965 yards and 26 touchdowns during his seven-year career.

He participated in the Oct. 10 Alumni Day festivities at Ford Field.

He's survived by wife Alice. Services are scheduled Tuesday in Bloomfield Hills.