Greg Hawthorne, a former first-round NFL selection and member of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Super Bowl XIV winning roster, died on Wednesday. He was 69 years old.
His family shared the news through a social media announcement, though they did not reveal any details regarding the cause of his passing.
Born on November 13, 1956, in Memphis, Hawthorne displayed considerable athletic promise during his time at Baylor University. He stood out as one of the program’s leading talents before a broken hip sidelined him and shortened his final college campaign. Despite the setback, his combination of size and natural ability caught the attention of professional scouts.
The Steelers invested an early selection in Hawthorne, choosing him with the 28th overall pick in the 1979 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh’s front office saw potential in the running back even though his collegiate statistics were not overwhelming. The decision reflected confidence in his physical tools and upside as he transitioned to the professional level.
Upon joining the Steelers, Hawthorne entered one of the most talented backfields in the league. He found himself behind established stars including Franco Harris, Rocky Bleier, and Sidney Thornton.
In his rookie season, he appeared in 15 games and contributed to a championship atmosphere as Pittsburgh captured Super Bowl XIV. That victory marked the team’s fourth title in six years and remained their most recent until 2005.
Hawthorne’s most productive stretch with the Steelers arrived in 1980. Injuries opened opportunities in the backfield, allowing him to start five contests. During that campaign, he carried the ball 63 times for 263 yards and reached the end zone four times, figures that represented the high points of his professional rushing career. He continued wearing a Pittsburgh uniform through the 1983 season, providing depth and occasional spark without ever claiming a permanent starting position.
Following his time in Pittsburgh, Hawthorne joined the New England Patriots for three seasons. There, he embraced a multifaceted role that extended beyond traditional running back duties. He lined up as a receiver, tight end, and special teams contributor, showcasing the adaptability that helped extend his career. His efforts included 34 receptions for 361 yards and one touchdown through the air.
Hawthorne earned a second trip to the Super Bowl while with the Patriots after the 1985 season. New England advanced to Super Bowl XX but fell to the dominant Chicago Bears. Although the outcome was disappointing, reaching the league’s premier game for a second time highlighted the value he brought to contending rosters.
He concluded his playing days with the Indianapolis Colts in 1987. Over his nine-year NFL journey, Hawthorne suited up for 112 regular-season games. He accumulated 784 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns while adding 37 catches for 402 yards and another score as a receiver. His willingness to fill various positions proved essential as his primary ball-carrying responsibilities decreased.
Though Hawthorne fell short of becoming a featured back after his high draft status, he built a respectable and lengthy career in a demanding league. He participated in two Super Bowls and secured a championship ring with one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance and team-oriented play.
Hawthorne is survived by his mother, his children, and his siblings, as noted in the family’s public statement on Facebook.
His passing marks the end of a life defined by athletic achievement and quiet contributions on football’s biggest stages.
