KFDM COOP Posted January 18, 2008 Report Posted January 18, 2008 Former NFL Star From Newton County Dies in Traffic Accident Near Lumberton A former NFL star who lived in Newton County and won two Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers has died in a traffic accident, as KFDM News first reported early Friday morning. The Department of Public Safety tells KFDM News 59 year old Ernie Holmes was killed in a traffic accident Thursday night in Hardin County. The wreck happened on Highway 69 about a mile south of Colonial Drive, just outside of Lumberton. Investigators say he was traveling south, left the road, and his vehicle rolled several times. He was ejected. Investigators say he wasn't wearing a seat belt. Holmes was pronounced dead at 9:12 p.m. No other vehicle was involved in the accident. Ernie Holmes lived in Weirgate in Newton County. KFDM News interviewed him several times about civil rights issues in Southeast Texas. He played with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1972 until 1977 and was part of the fames Steel Curtain defense featuring Holmes, "Mean" Joe Greene, L.C. Greenwood and Dwight White. PITTSBURGH (AP) - Pittsburgh Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney says the organization "is deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and untimely death of Ernie Holmes." The former member of the "Steel Curtain" defense of the Steelers' 1970s Super Bowl champion teams died last night in a single-vehicle traffic accident in Southeast Texas. He was 59. The Texas Department of Public Safety says Holmes was driving alone last night when his car left the roadway and rolled over several times near Lumberton. That's about 80 miles northeast of Houston in Southeast Texas. Rooney says the former defensive tackle "was one of the toughest players to ever wear a Steelers uniform." He says many who played against Holmes found him "almost impossible to block." Rooney says that Holmes, "at his best, he was an intimidating player who even the toughest of opponents did not want to play against." The two-time All Pro was a member of the famed Steel Curtain defense, winning two Super Bowls with Pittsburgh. He played there from 1972-77, and spent the 1978 season with New England.
football Posted January 18, 2008 Report Posted January 18, 2008 Seen on every old highlight film because of the arrow shaved on top of his head. Always heard that he was a great guy. Prayers to his family. Let this case be a reminder to all to "Buckle Up"
82 5A State Champs Posted January 18, 2008 Report Posted January 18, 2008 seemed like a great guy and all around caring person. He will be missed. :'(
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