He was part of the Steel Curtain and a team in the 1970’s that dominated the National Football League. A part of history for Pittsburgh Steelers, DE Dwight White was a big part of the Steelers defense in the 70’s and today, the team announced that the 58-year-old White has passed away following surgery at a Pittsburgh hospital.
Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, June 11 at noon at Calvary Episcopal Church, 315 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Please note that in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Dwight’s memory be sent to The August Wilson Center of African American Culture at 425 Sixth Avenue, Suite 1750, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
He played college football at Texas A&M University-Commerce, and upon entering the league was nicknamed “Mad Dog.” He became a Pro Bowl defensive end, and was one of the game’s more colorful characters, but was also a standout defensive end who played with much intensity. He was by far the most vocal player on the Steelers defense.
Prior to Super Bowl IX, White spent much of the previous week in a hospital, suffering from pneumonia. White lost 20 pounds during that week and was not expected to play. However, he did play, and accounted for the only scoring in the first half when he sacked Fran Tarkenton in the end zone for a safety — the first points in Steelers’ history in a championship game. The Steelers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 16-6.
Finished his career with 55 sacks according to Steeler team records. He retired after the 1980 season and went on to become a stock broker. Team president Art Rooney II is calling White “an important member of the Steelers family.”
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Rita Gregory
June 7, 2008 at 1:02 pm
My thoughts and prayers go out to the White Family. What an extraordinary man. The city of Pittsburgh has just lost a great one. Although his light has faded here on earth, a star shines brighter above in the name of Dwight White.
smortas
June 8, 2008 at 5:38 pm
A tremendous loss to the steeler community. Dwight was a special part of those great steeler teams and brought many hppay on field memories. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends!!!
Mike McHugh
June 9, 2008 at 4:55 am
I’m deeply saddened to learn of Dwight’s death. Having met him and his wife on several occasions both while he was playing and in his post-football life, I can only offer my sincere condolences to his wife and daughter, and to say not only Steeler Nation but the Pittsburgh community has lost a warm,friendly, genuine man who always made time for others and made the Hall of Fame as a person.
BRETT SHEPHERD
June 13, 2008 at 9:35 am
Growing up a Rams fan in the 1970’s was frustrating, but I did have joy watching the great Steeler teams doing something my Rams couldnt..and that was to whip the Viking and Cowboys.
I secretly loved the Steel Curtain and I only wished the Rams had a defense like that. The Rams had a great defense back then, but not like the black and gold.
My thoughts go out to Dwights family and the Steeler organization. Dwight was a special player and he was an even better man. The man left the game and became a stock broker..doing something that most athletes cannot….leave the game to find success elsewhere.
Though I was not a Steelers fan….I feel like I too have lost someone.
RIP, DWIGHT, ERNIE AND MYRON.
BRETT SHEPHERD
RAMS FAN IN ATLANTA