Greg Hawthorne, a former first-round pick and a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, has passed away. He was 69.
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Hawthorne's family announced the news with a post on Facebook. They did not provide a cause of death.
"On behalf of the Hawthorne family, it is with deep sadness that our brother Gregory Dale Hawthorne passed away last night," the post said. "Please keep his mother and his children, his brother and sisters as well as the whole family in your prayers.
"Service arrangements will be shared as soon as they become available. Our family appreciates your love, support, and understanding during this time."
A Texas native, Hawthorne spent his college career at Baylor University. He then moved to the NFL as the 28th pick in the 1979 NFL Draft. He landed with the Steelers, the team with which he spent the first five years of his career.
Hawthorne played in a depth role during his time in the Steel City. He worked behind Franco Harris and alongside Rocky Bleier and Sidney Thornton. He still rushed for seven touchdowns and 522 yards. He added three receiving touchdowns.
He also won a championship with the Steelers during his rookie season.
RIP Greg Hawthorne
Pittsburgh’s final 1st round pick of the 1970’s
Here he is scoring a TD against the Patriots whom he would later play for. pic.twitter.com/37Qjz67KKk
— Steel City Star (@steelcitystar) July 10, 2026
The Texas native moved to the New England Patriots for 1984-86, and he ultimately switched positions. He began lining up at wide receiver, accounting for 361 receiving yards and one touchdown.
While he didn't pile up statistics during his time in New England, he delivered a major play. He recovered a fumble on a kickoff to open the second half of the 1985 AFC championship.
The Patriots took over deep in Dolphins territory and scored a touchdown as Tony Eason found Robert Weathers in the end zone. The Patriots upset the Dolphins 31-14 and locked up a spot in the Super Bowl.
Hawthorne spent the 1987 season, his last in the NFL, with the Indianapolis Colts. He played in three games and caught three passes for 41 yards while lining up at tight end.
