Former first-round NFL draft pick and Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl winner Greg Hawthorne has died at the age of 69.
The sad news was announced by his family on Facebook, and led to tributes pouring in from around the NFL world.
The statement read: ‘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.
‘Service arrangements will be shared as soon as they become available. Our family appreciates your love, support, and understanding during this time.’
Hawthorne’s cause of death has not yet been revealed.
He began his NFL career with the Steelers after being selected with the No 28 pick out of Baylor, going on to win the Super Bowl in his rookie season in 1980.
Greg Hawthorne carries the ball during an NFL game for the Steelers in the 1983 season
Hawthorne (right, pictured with his family in recent years) has died at the age of 69
He is pictured in his Baylor Commencement ceremony in May 2008
It didn’t begin in a positive fashion when he pulled his hamstring during his rookie training camp, but he recovered to play in 15 games, including the season finale against the Los Angeles Rams, which resulted in a 31-19 win.
He went on to join the Patriots in 1984, playing in another Super Bowl – this time a loss to the Chicago Bears – before finishing his career in Indianapolis in 1987.
Playing as a tight end, running back and wide receiver, he accumulated 527 rushing yards and 92 receptions during his nine-year career in the NFL.
In the Facebook post from his family, a series of photos were shared from his final years, well after the heights of his NFL career in the 80s.
