Obituaries
Steelers' Former First-Round Draft Pick Gabe Rivera Dies
His career with the team lasted just six games.
PITTSBURGH, PA - Gabe Rivera, a Steelers defensive end whose pro football career lasted just six games because of an auto accident, died Monday in San Antonio. He was 57.
Mr. Rivera’s wife confirmed his death, telling KENS-TV in San Antonio he had been in critical condition since last week after suffering a perforated bowel.
After a standout career at Texas Tech, the Steelers selected Mr. Rivera in the first round with the 21st pick of the 1983 draft. In October 1983, he suffered a spinal cord injury after a car accident that occurred while he was driving under the influence of alcohol. The injury left him paralyzed for life.
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Mr. Rivera was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
Photo via Getty Images.
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