Former Pitt, Steelers Star Dies

PITTSBURGH, PA — Jim Sweeney, a former University of Pittsburgh star who had a long NFL career, has died at 60.

Sweeney's death was announced Sunday by the New York Jets, the team Sweeney played for the bulk of his professional career. No cause of death was revealed.

"Jim was a typical Pittsburgh guy," former teammate and Jets radio analyst Marty Lyons told the team's website. "He was tough -- he was tough to practice against every day. You could count on him every single Sunday."

A graduate of Seton LaSalle High School in Pittsburgh, Sweeney played four years at the University of Pittsburgh before being drafted by the Jets in the second round in 1984. He played for the team until 1995, and finished his career playing four seasons with the Steelers.

He then coached at the college level as an assistant for Duquesne University and Albany. He also coached locally at Peters Township and South Fayette high schools.

Funeral arrangements were not immediately available.

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