Former Super Bowl Champion Greg Hawthorne Dead At 69

The football world lost another champion this week as former Super Bowl winner Greg Hawthorne passed away. He was 69 years old.

Hawthorne's passing was announced on Thursday in a post on Facebook. The cause of death has not yet been revealed.

"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," the Hawthorne family wrote in the announcement. "Service arrangements will be shared as soon as they become available. Our family appreciates your love, support, and understanding during this time."

A versatile champion

Hawthorne was a first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1979 NFL Draft after a standout career at Baylor in from 1976 to 1978. As a rookie in 1979, he played in 15 regular season games and all three of the Steelers' playoff games as they won their fourth and final Super Bowl of the "Steel Curtain" era.

But midway through his time with the Steelers, the team decided to move him from running back to wide receiver. He proved more suited to wide receiver, averaging over 15 yards per catch in his final two years with the team.

In 1984, he joined the New England Patriots, where he wound up playing running back, wide receiver and even tight end over his three years with the team. In 1985, he again played in 15 regular season games and all four postseason games as the team made an improbable run to the Super Bowl.

Hawthorne famously had a crucial fumble recovery against the Miami Dolphins in the 1985 AFC Championship Game. Unfortunately, the '85 Bears ensured that Hawthorne would not claim a second Super Bowl ring.

Hawthorne played one final season with the Indianapolis Colts in 1987. He finished his playing career with 1,639 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns in nine seasons.

Our hearts go out to Hawthorne's family and loved ones.

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This story was originally published July 11, 2026 at 5:55 PM.