ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Former Lions wide 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, Greene played offense and defense before being moved from lineman to end in 1945. Greene led the team in receiving from 1945 to 1947. The two-time team captain caught 173 passes for 2,965 yards and 26 touchdowns during his seven-year career.
Greene participated in the Oct. 10 Alumni Day festivities at Ford Field.
Greene is survived by his wife, Alice. Services are scheduled Tuesday in Bloomfield Hills.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
