The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the passing of former running back Sidney Thornton on Wednesday night. He was 68 years old. Thornton was a valued member of two Super Bowl-winning teams for the Steelers and left a lasting impact on the franchise and its fans.
Sidney Thornton: A College Football Star
Before joining the professional ranks, Sidney Thornton made a name for himself at Northwestern State University. As a four-year starter for the Demons, he made a significant impact on the field, earning multiple awards and accolades. His performance on the gridiron was so impressive that he was selected as the team’s MVP after both his junior and senior seasons, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.
All-American and All-Louisiana Honors
Thornton’s achievements on the field were recognized beyond just his team, as he was honored as an independent All-American and All-Louisiana choice. These accolades highlight the high level of skill and talent that he brought to the field, making him one of the most highly-regarded players in the country.
Thornton’s impact on Northwestern State’s football program was so great that in 1986, he was inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame. This recognition is a testament to the legacy that he left behind, and his place in the annals of college football history is secured.
A Star in the Making
Thornton’s college career was a precursor to the success that he would go on to achieve in the NFL. He entered the professional ranks as a second-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the rest, as they say, is history. But it all started at Northwestern State, where he honed his skills and made a name for himself as one of the top football players in the country.
In 1977, Sidney Thornton’s NFL career officially began when he was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the NFL Draft. He was brought in to support veteran running backs Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier, but Thornton was not content to simply play a supporting role. He quickly established himself as a valuable member of the team, thriving in his role as a complementary running back.
A Legacy of Success
Thornton’s NFL career was a successful one, and his impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers organization cannot be overstated. He was a key contributor to two Super Bowl championships, and he established himself as a physical and reliable player. His legacy in the NFL lives on, and his name will forever be remembered by fans of the game.
Thornton was a key contributor to the Steelers’ third Super Bowl victory of the decade at the end of the 1978 season. With Harris dealing with an injury early in the 1979 season, Thornton enjoyed an increased role in the offense. He set career-highs in rushing yards and touchdown runs, averaging 5 yards-per-carry, and scoring 10 total touchdowns that season.
In the divisional round against Miami, Thornton gained 86 total yards and scored his first career postseason touchdown. He also caught a 22-yard pass in Super Bowl XIV as the Steelers defeated the Rams to capture the franchise’s fourth Lombardi Trophy.
Thornton was a valued member of the Steelers organization and will always be remembered for his contributions to the team’s success. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of football players, and he will be deeply missed by his former teammates, coaches, and the Steeler Nation.
Sidney Thornton was a dominant running back whose name still dots the record books. He was a valued member of two Super Bowl-winning teams for the Pittsburgh Steelers and left a lasting impact on the franchise and its fans. He will always be remembered for his contributions to the team’s success and will be deeply missed by those who knew him.
