Full Breakdown
Former Steelers Running Back Greg Hawthorne Dies at 69
7/14/2026, 12:55:45 PM
Core Event
Gregory Dale Hawthorne, a former NFL running back and Super Bowl XIV champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers, died at age 69. His family announced the death on Facebook on the night of July 13, 2024. No cause of death was disclosed.
Career Overview and Context
The Steelers selected Hawthorne with the No. 28 overall pick out of Fort Worth Polytechnic in the 1979 NFL Draft. He entered the league as a rookie during the Steelers’ 31-19 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl XIV. Hawthorne spent five seasons in Pittsburgh, alternating between running back and wide receiver, before playing three seasons with the New England Patriots and one season with the Indianapolis Colts. While with the Patriots, he recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff of the second half of the 1985 AFC Championship, a play that helped New England advance to Super Bowl XX.
Career Statistics
- Games played: 105 (59 with Pittsburgh)
- Rushing yards: 522
- Rushing touchdowns: 7
- Receptions: 55 for 710 yards
- Receiving touchdowns: 3
- Total touchdowns: 11
- Total yards from scrimmage: 1,639
Official Family Statement
“On behalf of the Hawthorne family, it is with deep sadness that our brother Gregory Dale Hawthorne passed away last night. Please keep his mother and his children, his brother and sisters as well as the whole family in your prayers.”
Legacy and Impact
Hawthorne’s contributions to two Super Bowl-winning franchises and his pivotal turnover in the 1985 AFC Championship are remembered by teammates and fans. His death prompted tributes across social media, highlighting his role in Pittsburgh’s 1970s dynasty and his later influence on New England’s championship run.
