Pittsburgh Steelers' Super Bowl champion running back dies

Pittsburgh Steelers’ Sidney Thornton (38), eludes Miami Dolphins Rusty Chambers (51) and Norris Thomas to score the first touchdown of AFC playoff game, …

Pittsburgh Steelers’ Sidney Thornton (38), eludes Miami Dolphins Rusty Chambers (51) and Norris Thomas to score the first touchdown of AFC playoff game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 1979 at Pittsburgh. Thornton scored on third play from one yard line on a goal line stand. (AP Photo/R.C. Greenawalt)

by: Michael Reiner

Posted: Feb 2, 2023 / 07:17 AM EST

Updated: Feb 2, 2023 / 08:08 AM EST

PITTSBURGH, Pa. (WKBN)- A running back who won two Super Bowl titles with the Pittsburgh Steelers has died.

The team announced Wednesday that Sidney Thornton has died. He was 68 years old.

Thornton was drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 1977 NFL Draft. He was a member of two Super Bowl champion teams in 1979 and 1980.

Thornton played his entire six-year career with the Steelers. He finished with 1,512 rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns, 515 receiving yards, and six receiving touchdowns.

Thornton was named to Northwestern State’s N-Club Hall of Fame in 1986, meaning that he was one of the top athletes in their football program.