Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Sidney Thornton passes away at 68

Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Sidney Thornton has passed away at the age of 68, according to a release by the team on Wednesday. Thornton played for the Steelers for just six seasons from 1977-82, but was a member of the back-to-back Super Bowl-winning teams in 1979 and 1980 — Super Bowl XIII and XIV respectively.

We are saddened by the loss of former Steelers RB Sidney Thornton. pic.twitter.com/LpKsIbJ1Xq

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) February 1, 2023

Sidney Thornton passes at 68

Thornton began his NFL career with Pittsburgh after being selected in the second-round of the 1977 NFL Draft. The standout back from Northwestern State was the 48th overall pick and went on to play all six of his seasons in the NFL with Pittsburgh.

Thornton rushed for 1,512 yards and 18 touchdowns in his career, as well as receiving for another 515 and six touchdowns.

The former Northwestern State star was inducted into his school’s N-Club Hall of Fame in 1986, where he was enshrined as one of the best players to play for the Demons.

“Sidney Thornton was a dominant Demon running back whose name still dots the record books,” reads his biography on the school’s website. “Sidney tied school marks for most points in a game with 24 and holds the season record for most rushing touchdowns with 12 in 1976. At the time of Sidney’s induction he was third on the all time list for points scored in a season 72 in 1976, fourth in most points scored with 158, second in career rushing attempts with 573, second in net yards rushing with 2,662, and fifth highest season rushing total with 945 yards in 1976.

“He was honored by his teammates as MVP following both his junior and senior seasons. In 1976 Sidney was chosen as the MVP in the Blue-Gray game. He was an independent All-American, All-Louisiana choice and a four year starter at NSU.”