NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Mike Wagner, a four-time Super Bowl champion with the franchise during its “Steel Curtain” dynasty, has died at age 76.
The Steelers announced Wagner’s death Wednesday night with a statement.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mike Wagner, a tremendous player and an integral part of some of the most successful teams in Pittsburgh Steelers history,” Steelers owner Art Rooney II said in a statement.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
Safety Mike Wagner of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on from the field during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Riverfront Stadium circa 1979 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
No cause of death has been provided.
Wagner was a two-time Pro Bowler during his 10-year career with the Steelers, racking up 36 interceptions and five forced fumbles from 1971-80.
The Steelers selected him 268th overall in the 1971 NFL Draft, which was the 11th round at the time.
STEELERS NFL FREE AGENCY PREDICTIONS: AARON RODGERS BACK TO PITTSBURGH?
“Mike played a key role on our championship teams of the 1970s. As a member of four Super Bowl-winning teams, his toughness and consistency were paramount to our secondary. His contributions on the field were significant, but it was also his consistent presence and team-first mentality that truly defined him,” Rooney’s statement continued.
“On behalf of the entire Pittsburgh Steelers organization, we extend our deepest condolences to Mike’s family. He will always be remembered as a champion, a great teammate and a proud member of the Steelers family.”
Wagner’s football journey is unique ahead of the NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Mike Wagner returns to the sideline holding the ball after intercepting a pass against the Oakland Raiders during the 1975 AFC Championship playoff game at Three Rivers Stadium on January 4, 1976 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
He went to Western Illinois University, but did not play for the football team until he asked the head coach for a tryout after having no interest in competing at any other school.
The Western Illinois coach agreed and Wagner made the team. However, he was still waiting tables as a way to earn money while playing for the team.
The Steelers would eventually give him a chance, but the late-round pick wasn’t an afterthought in his rookie season.
Wagner started at safety after an injury on the depth chart, and he wouldn’t give up his starting position from there.
He started 116 of his 119 career games and, in 1973, led the league with eight interceptions.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Mike Wagner looks on from the sideline during a game between the New Orleans Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on November 30, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
Among those career interceptions was the game-sealing one against the Minnesota Vikings, taking out the great Fran Tarkenton to give the Steelers the Super Bowl IX victory, the franchise’s first.
In 2020, the Steelers had Wagner inducted into their Hall of Honor and he continued to be with the organization until his death.
