Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Sidney Thornton has died, the team announced on Wednesday. Let’s see more details on Sidney Thornton in the following paragraphs.
What happened to Sidney Thornton?
Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Sidney Thornton has died. The team announced the news Wednesday. He was 68 years old.
We are saddened by the loss of former Steelers RB Sidney Thornton.
The Steelers selected Thornton in the second round of the 1977 draft out of Northwestern State University. He spent all six seasons of his NFL career with Pittsburgh, rushing 356 times for 1,512 yards and 18 scores. He played in 74 games and won two Super Bowls with the Steelers in 1978 and 1979.
We are saddened by the loss of former Steelers RB Sidney Thornton. pic.twitter.com/LpKsIbJ1Xq
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) February 1, 2023
Cause of death
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced that two-time Super Bowl champion running back Sidney Thornton has died at the age of 68 on January 28, 2023. Steelers Mourn Death of Former RB Sidney Thornton.
As soon as the news came out, Families and friends are pouring condolences on social media. It is devastating news for their loved ones. At this point, it is unknown precisely what led to his death apart from the confirmation of his death and the exact cause of his death in Sydney was not released as well.
In order to learn more about Sidney’s death, we are attempting to get in touch with his friends and family. This section will be updated as soon as we learn any new information regarding the tragic event that brought many people to tears.
Who was Sidney Thornton?
Sidney Thornton was born on September 2, 1954. He was an American professional football player who was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2nd round (48th overall) of the 1977 NFL Draft. A 5’11”, 230 lb (100 kg). running back from Northwestern State University in Louisiana, he played in 6 NFL seasons from 1977 to 1982 for the Steelers, winning two Super Bowl titles for the team. Thornton returned to pro football in 1984, playing one season with the Oklahoma Outlaws and rushing for 288 yards on 101 carries (2.9 yards per carry average).
Career Highlights
He finished his career with 356 carries for 1,512 yards and 18 touchdowns, while adding 46 receptions for 515 yards and six touchdowns. Thornton had 26 touches for 137 yards and a touchdown in seven career postseason games.
Northwestern State inducted Thornton into the school’s N-Club Hall of Fame in 1986, where he was enshrined as one of the best players to play for the Demons. A New Orleans native, Thornton played college football at Northwestern State, where in 1986 he was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.
Two-time Steelers super bowl champion
With Harris dealing with an early season injury, Thornton enjoyed an increased role in the Steelers offense in 1979. He set career-highs in rushing yards and touchdown runs while averaging 5 yards-per-carry. Thornton scored 10 total touchdowns that season while helping the Steelers win a sixth consecutive division title.
Against Miami in the divisional round, Thornton gained 86 total yards while scoring his first career postseason touchdown. He caught a 22-yard pass in Super Bowl XIV as the Steelers defeat the Rams to capture the franchise’s fourth Lombardi Trophy.
A physical back, Thornton played his entire six-year career with the Steelers. He scored 25 touchdowns (including the postseason) over that span while averaging 4.2 yards per carry.
What do Steeler fans call themselves?
Steeler Nation is the official name for the fan base of the National Football League’s Pittsburgh Steelers. The term was coined by NFL Films narrator John Facenda in the team’s 1978 highlights film.
What is Pittsburgh Steelers?
| The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional American football team based in Pittsburgh. The Steelers compete in the National Football League as a member club of the American Football Conference North division. Head coach: Mike Tomlin Conference: American Football Conference Arena/Stadium: Acrisure Stadium Division: AFC North Owner: Rooney family NFL championships: 2009, 2006, 1980, 1979, 1976, 1975 |
Tributes Pouring on Social Media.
bdawg Posted
Sorry to see this. He was one of my favorites at that time. Loved his running style and that neck roll looked so cool. Even now. My favorite moment was against the Colts. He had a 70+yd run and he ran out of gas before he scored. RIP. Thanks for the memories.
NSU Football Posted
The Demon family mourns the loss of Sidney Thornton, an N-Club Hall of Famer and a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers. There was only one “Thundering Bull,” and he will be missed greatly.
Dan Posted
Sidney was a Tough Runner. A Prototype Steelers RB. He could have Started for any Team in the NFL. He had that kind of Talent. Sidney definitely belongs in the Steelers Hall of Honor. RIP Sidney
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