John Joseph Greene (April 21, 1920 – November 4, 2010) was an American collegiate wrestler and football player.

He was captain of the Michigan wrestling team in 1944 and was also selected to play in the 11th annual Chicago College All-Star Game that same year.

After moving to the end position in 1945, Greene became a star, ranking among the National Football League (NFL) leaders in receptions and/or receiving yards each year from 1945 to 1949.

[3] Green also played for the Michigan Wolverines football team under head coach Fritz Crisler.

[5] Greene remained at Michigan during the World War II years, having been classified 4-F due to a perforated or punctured eardrum.

[9] As a senior, Greene remained a backup at the tackle position, but he was awarded a varsity letter for his contributions to the 1943 Michigan Wolverines football team.

[7] For the 1945 season, the Lions' head coach Gus Dorais moved Greene to the end position after being impressed with his speed.

In that game, Greene caught a pass from Dave Ryan at midfield and ran the remaining 50 yards for a touchdown.

[11] Greene's longest reception of the 1947 season was a 47-yard gain on a pass from Roy Zimmerman in a 35-7 victory over the New York Giants.

So, when he and Bill came over to me in the locker room, shook my hand and welcomed me to the Lions, it made a huge impact in my acceptance on the team and in the League.

He had career highs in receptions (44) and receiving touchdowns (7), and ranked seventh and fifth among all NFL players in those two categories.

The season began on a high note for Greene as he caught a pass from Bobby Layne for a 78-yard gain in a pre-season game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

[11] Cloyce Box and Doak Walker led the 1950 Lions in receiving, as Bobby Layne began his tenure as the team's quarterback.