Coca-Cola Presents Steelers Legend "Mean" Joe Greene with Overdue Accolade for Iconic Commercial

Greene Reunites with Co-Star from Classic 1979 Ad
PITTSBURGH--(Business Wire)--
"Mean" Joe Greene, star defensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the
team`s first four Super Bowl championships, was honored before the
Steelers-Bengals game on Nov. 15 for some of his most celebrated work OFF the
field.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the iconic "Mean Joe" TV ad for
Coca-Cola, which featured the feared lineman limping down a tunnel to the locker
room, followed closely by then-nine-year-old Tommy Okon, who offered a battered
Greene his ice-cold bottle of Coca-Cola. As a gesture of thanks, Greene tossed
his coveted jersey to the boy, who stood in amazement after encountering his
hero.

For his role in the commercial, Greene earned the prestigious Clio award in
1980, recognizing creative excellence in advertising. However, he wasn`t
available to accept the award at the time and never received the hardware during
the ensuing 30 years. Coca-Cola recently secured the trophy and joined Steelers
President Art Rooney II in presenting it to Greene in a special pre-game
ceremony at Heinz Field. As part of the event, Greene and Okon, the former child
actor who co-starred in the commercial, reunited for the first time in years.

"It was a special moment when we were able to finally present this Clio award to
Joe," said Bea Perez, senior vice president of integrated marketing, Coca-Cola
North America. "His work in our 1979 commercial tugged at people`s heartstrings
and created tremendous affection for both Joe and Coca-Cola. His accolades are
well-deserved and long-overdue, and we`re proud to help get the award in the
hands of its rightful owner."

"The Coca-Cola commercial was a defining point in my life," said Greene.
"Before, football fans knew who I was and talked about my performance on the
field. Afterward, all of America seemed to know who I was and people still talk
to me about it nearly every day. It was a great experience, and finally
receiving the Clio is the icing on the cake."

Since its original airing, the ad has been universally lauded. TV Guide named it
one of the best commercials of all time, and it was listed among the most
innovative, creative and effective commercials by the American Association of
Advertising Agencies. Tens of thousands of people sent letters to The Coca-Cola
Company in response to the ad, leading Coca-Cola to launch a promotion called
"Win the Shirt Off My Back" which gave replica jerseys to fans by the thousands.
Hollywood producers also capitalized on its popularity and developed a
made-for-TV-movie called "The Steeler and the Pittsburgh Kid." In it, Greene and
his fictional football team adopt a nine-year-old boy who dreams of one day
becoming quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In fact, the ad struck such a chord with fans in the United States, Coca-Cola
repeated the concept with sports standouts in nations around the world,
including Italy, Thailand, Argentina and Brazil. In January 2009, Coke Zero took
a new twist on the beloved spot, creating an ad featuring current Steelers great
Troy Polamalu which debuted during the Super Bowl.

"Mean" Joe Greene

Greene, who made up one quarter of the vaunted Steel Curtain in the 1970s, has
six championship rings with the Pittsburgh Steelers - four as a player and two
as a special assistant for player personnel. Following his Hall of Fame playing
career, Greene spent 16 years as an assistant coach for the Steelers, Dolphins
and Cardinals.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing
consumers with nearly 500 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola,
recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio includes
12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola
Zero, vitaminwater, POWERADE, Minute Maid and Georgia Coffee. Globally, we are
the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and
ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage
distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's
beverages at a rate of nearly 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring
commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on
initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the
economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information
about our Company, please visit our Web site at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.

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Coca-Cola North America
Susan Stribling, 404-676-4120
sstribling@na.ko.com
or
Fast Horse
Dave Fransen, 612-360-8824
davef@fasthorseinc.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009