Greg Hawthorne, a former running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Super Bowl XIV champion, has passed away at the age of 69, as announced by his family on social media.
Hawthorne was drafted by the Steelers as the 28th overall pick from Fort Worth Polytechnic in the 1979 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, contributing to the Steelers’ victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl XIV.
Known for his versatility, Hawthorne played for the Steelers from 1979 to 1983. He switched between running back and wide receiver during his tenure. Over five seasons with Pittsburgh, he participated in 59 games, accumulating 522 rushing yards with seven touchdowns. He also managed 55 receptions totaling 710 yards and scored three receiving touchdowns.
“On behalf of the Hawthorne family, it is with deep sadness that our brother Gregory Dale Hawthorne passed away last night,”read the statement from his family on Facebook. They requested prayers for his mother, children, siblings, and extended family.
Hawthorne extended his NFL career with the New England Patriots and later the Indianapolis Colts. During his time with the Patriots, he made a crucial play in the 1985 AFC Championship by recovering a fumble on the second-half opening kickoff, helping the team advance to Super Bowl XX.
In total, Hawthorne played in 105 NFL games, achieving 11 touchdowns and gaining 1,639 yards from scrimmage before retiring.
Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
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