Steel Curtain and Local Philantrhopist Dwight White

Steelers' Dwight White dead at 58
By The Tribune-Review
Friday, June 6, 2008


Former Steelers defensive lineman Dwight White, a member of the famous Steel Curtain in the 1970s, died today. He was 58.
White played for the Steelers from 1971-80 and won four Super Bowl rings. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection.

"Dwight White was one of the greatest players to ever wear a Steelers uniform," Steelers chairman Dan Rooney said. "He was a key member of the Steel Curtain defense and a member of the greatest defensive line in NFL history. He played with a relentlessness that led us to four Super Bowl titles in the 1970s. Dwight refused to be denied, as was evidenced when he walked out of the hospital with pneumonia to play in Super Bowl IX and had an outstanding game, scoring our first points by sacking Fran Tarkenton for a safety.

"Dwight will be remembered by those who knew him even more for being a wonderful and caring person. He was committed to the city of Pittsburgh and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate than himself. Our prayers go out to his family. We will miss Dwight, but we will never forget everything he meant to the Steelers organization."
Steelers president Art Rooney II said White's accomplishments on the football field often were overshadowed by other players on those great Steelers teams.

"Dwight should be remembered by fans as a great football player, one who perhaps did not receive the accolades he deserved for helping make the Steelers truly a national team. He always seemed to rise to the occasion when it counted most, and added an element of toughness that was synonymous with our teams of the 1970s.

"We all knew him as 'Mad Dog,' but Dwight was a caring person who was very active in local charities."

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at noon at Calvary Episcopal Church, 315 Shady Ave., in Shadyside.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in White's memory be sent to the August Wilson Center of African American Culture, 425 Sixth Ave., Suite 1750, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.