NFL11 hours ago2 minute read

Steelers Legend Dick Hoak Dies at Age 86

Dick Hoak spent more than 45 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a player and coach. He won five Super Bowl rings and died at age 86.

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Steelers Legend Dick Hoak Dies at 86

Dick Hoak, who spent more than 45 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a player and assistant coach, has died at age 86. The team announced his death on Wednesday. No cause of death was given. Hoak won five Super Bowl rings during his long tenure with the franchise.

Team president Art Rooney II praised Hoak in a statement, saying he represented everything the team stands for with his toughness, loyalty, dedication, and unwavering commitment.

From Penn State Star to Pittsburgh Anchor

Born on December 8, 1939, in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, Hoak played running back, safety, and quarterback at Penn State. He was named the MVP of the 1960 Liberty Bowl, a 41-12 win over Oregon in which he passed for two touchdowns, ran for two more, and picked off two passes.

Pittsburgh selected Hoak in the seventh round of the 1961 NFL draft. He played 10 seasons as a running back, leading the team in rushing three times and earning a Pro Bowl nod in 1968 after rushing for a career best 858 yards. The Steelers finished with a winning record only twice during his playing career. Hoak retired after the 1970 season with 3,965 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns. He still sits eighth on the team all time rushing list.

Decades of Success on the Sidelines

In 1972, Hoak joined head coach Chuck Noll's staff as running backs coach. Over the next three decades, he served as a key mentor for future Hall of Fame backs Franco Harris and Jerome Bettis. He was retained by Bill Cowher in 1992 and remained on staff through the 2006 season, helping Pittsburgh win Super Bowl titles following the 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, and 2005 seasons.

Former teammate Rocky Bleier remembered Hoak as a great friend and an awesome assistant coach who built great relationships with his backfield. Hoak retired in early 2007. The Steelers named him to their Hall of Honor in 2017, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame recognized him in 2025 with its Award of Excellence.

What it means for the next game

New England Patriots at Detroit Lions (NFL, Sun, 15 Nov): Detroit Lions win 53%, New England Patriots win 47%; projected score Detroit Lions 26, New England Patriots 23. Our safest pick: Under 58.5 points.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals (NFL, Mon, 16 Nov): Cincinnati Bengals win 56%, Pittsburgh Steelers win 44%; projected score Cincinnati Bengals 26, Pittsburgh Steelers 23. Our safest pick: Under 56.5 points.