Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Sidney Thornton, who won two Super Bowls with the organization, has passed away.
On Wednesday evening, the Steelers announced that Thornton had passed away at the age of 68. The cause of death was not given.
Thornton was a standout running back at Northwestern State. The New Orleans, Louisiana native was drafted in the second round (48th overall) by the Steelers in 1977. Serving as a backup to Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris, Thornton made the most of his limited role with the Steelers.
In his 1977 rookie year, Thornton rushed for 103 yards and two touchdowns. He saw an expanded role over the next three years, enjoying a career year in 1979 in which Thornton rushed for 585 yards and six touchdowns. Thornton was also productive as a receiver, hauling in 16 receptions for 231 yards and four receiving TDs.
Thornton was part of the 1978 and ’79 Steelers clubs that won back-to-back Super Bowls, asserting themselves as the first dynasty in the Super Bowl era. Thornton had 81 rushing yards, a rushing score and four receptions for 56 yards in seven playoff games.
For his career, the former Northwestern State star had 356 carries for 1,512 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns to go along with 46 receptions for 515 yards and six receiving touchdowns.
