Former Steeler David Little Dies in Weighlifting Accident
David Little, a former Pro Bowl linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, died during a weightlifting session at his Miami home.
Former Steeler dies while lifting weights (MSNBC – AP)
David Little, a durable linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers who was voted to the Pro Bowl in 1990, died while weightlifting at home in Miami. He was 46. Little had heart disease, and a cardiac fluttering Thursday caused him to drop on his chest 250 pounds of weights, which rolled onto his neck and suffocated him, the coroner said Tuesday. Little was found by his sons, David Jr. and Darien.
Little played his entire 12-year career in Pittsburgh after he was drafted out of Florida in the seventh round in 1981. He started 125 of the 179 games he played for the Steelers and once played in 89 in a row. His last season in the league was 1992.
His older brother, Larry Little, was an All-Pro guard for the Miami Dolphins.
A shame.
Man, that’s got to be tough on the two sons. My heart goes out to the family.
Very terrible. A cautionary tale for weightlifters everywhere. (Much to the disbelief of all who know me, I took weightlifting for my college P.E. elective, & the coach was adamant about the necessity of spotting. It takes 8 lbs. of pressure to crush the windpipe, he said over & over ….)
Actually, all it really means is that one shouldn’t do barbell lifting without a spotter. Dumbbells can be dropped to the side in emergency situations. Barbell’s got to go up.
hln
David Little was a true Steeler. He had heart and was tough. He will be sorely missed.