{"id":587,"date":"2026-07-13T15:35:23","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T15:35:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thejoeroganpod.com\/?p=587"},"modified":"2026-07-13T15:35:23","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T15:35:23","slug":"ex-steelers-first-round-pick-super-bowl-champion-has-tragically-died","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thejoeroganpod.com\/?p=587","title":{"rendered":"Ex-Steelers First-Round Pick & Super Bowl Champion Has Tragically Died"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A member of the Steelers\u2019 Super Bowl XIV-winning team has died.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0NFL\u00a0community is mourning the loss of former\u00a0Pittsburgh Steelers\u00a0standout Greg Hawthorne.<\/p>\n

Hawthorne, a first-round pick in the 1979\u00a0NFL Draft, died at the age of 69. His family announced his passing on social media. They did not reveal a cause of death.<\/p>\n

The versatile offensive weapon spent five seasons with the Steelers. He helped the franchise win Super Bowl XIV during his rookie campaign before continuing his career with the\u00a0New England Patriots\u00a0and\u00a0Indianapolis Colts.<\/p>\n

Hawthorne played running back, wide receiver and tight end during his NFL career.<\/p>\n

He finished with 527 rushing yards, 1,112 receiving yards and 11 total touchdowns across 105 regular-season games. He also appeared in\u00a0Super Bowl XX\u00a0with the Patriots before retiring after the 1987 season.<\/p>\n

Fans Pay Tribute To Greg Hawthorn, Praise His Talent<\/h2>\n
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Running back Greg Hawthorne #27 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the football as he is tackled linebacker Gary Campbell (Photo by George Gojkovich\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n

News of Hawthorne\u2019s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and former teammates.<\/p>\n

\u201cSending prayers to his family!\ud83c\udfc8\ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffc\ud83d\udd4a\ufe0f,\u201d\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>one fan wrote.<\/p>\n