Former Steeler, Super Bowl Champion Sam Davis Laid To Rest
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Family and friends said a final farewell today to four-time Super Bowl champion Sam Davis.
It was a who's who among players from the Steelers' dynasty days as they also gathered to say farewell to "Number 57" at Bidwell Presbyterian Church.
They came to remember Davis, share funny stories, and to say goodbye to a former Pittsburgh Steeler.
The church was filled with family, friends, and former teammates. Franco Harris, J.T. Thomas, and others took to the pulpit to remember their friend and teammate.
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Posted by KDKA-TV | CBS Pittsburgh on Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Davis had been the team captain when he played for the Steelers in the 1970s, winning four Super Bowls.
Davis ws found dead last week at the New Life Care Personal Home in McKeesport where he was living.
When Davis was injured as a player, it was Craig Wolfley who replaced him.
"The first thing he did was, 'Here I am,'" Wolfley recalled. "I was the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed guy waiting to compete for his spot. He said this is my room number at St. Vincent College, if you have any problems, come up."
Former teammate Tunch Ilkin also shared fond memories of Davis.
"Sam was a mentor, he was a guy that would pour into the lives of the younger men and he was just such a great guy, great teammate, great captain," he said.
Among those Davis leaves behind, his wife of 36 years, his 95-year-old mother and his seven children. His son Ruel wears his father's fourth Super Bowl ring around his neck.
"I am going to wear it with a lot of pride and use it as motivation to finish what he started," Ruel said.
Ruel said his father was a provider for a lot of people.
Davis' daughter Samantha thanked the Pittsburgh community.
"So much gratitude to the large Pittsburgh community, to our family, to our friends, for really allowing us to send my father off with such grace, beauty, and love. He is truly a hero to us," she said.
Davis died of an apparent heart attack.