Ernie Holmes, a member of Pittsburgh Steelers' 1970s' Steel Curtain defense, was killed in a single-vehicle traffic accident near Beaumont Texas on Thursday night. He was 59.
Police said he was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the car. Holmes was driving alone last night when his car left the roadway and rolled over several times near Lumberton, where's is about 70 miles from his home in Wiergate.
Holmes, who played for the Steelers from 1972 to 1977, won them two Super Bowls with other members of Steel Curtain defense.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and untimely death of Ernie Holmes," says Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney in a statement. "Ernie was one of the toughest players to ever wear a Steelers uniform. He was a key member of our famous Steel Curtain defense, and many people who played against him considered Ernie almost impossible to block. At his best, he was an intimidating player who even the toughest of opponents did not want to play against."
Our sincerest condolences go Holmes' family and friends. Source: CBS