Former Steelers Pro Bowl offensive lineman Carlton Haselrig died Wednesday morning at his home in Johnstown according to the Tribute-Democrat in Johnstown. He was just 54 years old.
A standout wrestler at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Haselrig was drafted by the Steelers in the 12th round of the 1989 draft despite having not played college football.
Haselrig began his career with the Steelers at nose tackle, then shifted to guard, where he became a starter in 1991. In 1992, Haselrig helped pave the way for Barry Foster's team record 1,692 rushing yards, earning Pro Bowl honors.
But off-field issues and injuries troubled him the remainder of his career. He appeared in just nine games in 1993, then was released by the Steelers. He attempted a comeback in 1995 with the Jets, starting 11 games that season.
Haselrig later tried to get into MMA and other ventures, but spent the final few years of his life as an assistant football coach at his alma mater, Johnstown High School.
A six-time national champion heavyweight wrestler in college, Haselrig forced the NCAA to change the rules regarding Division II wrestlers competing for the Division I title in what is referred to in wrestling circles as the "Haselrig Rule."
In the 1980s, the NCAA Division II champion got an automatic bid to the Division I tournament. Haselrig, who had won a PIAA state championship in high school, going 10-0 despite his school not fielding a wrestling team, won both titles in 1987, 1988 and 1989.
Because of the "Haselrig Rule," his record of six NCAA titles in one sporting event will never be matched.
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