Mike Wagner Passes Away at 76

This week, Mike Wagner, a celebrated defensive back who won four Super Bowls and was a two-time Pro Bowl selection with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has passed away, as confirmed by the team on Wednesday evening.

At 76 years old, his loss is felt deeply within the organization.

“We are truly saddened by the loss of Mike Wagner, a remarkable player and a key figure in some of the most successful teams in Pittsburgh Steelers history,” the team’s statement read.

Originally from Illinois, Wagner played college baseball at Western Illinois University, where he earned NAIA All-American honors in 1969 and was later inducted into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1976.

He joined the NFL in 1971, being selected in the 11th round of the draft, and quickly became known as a top defensive back in the “Steel Curtain” defense that helped to establish the Steelers as a dominant force in the mid-to-late 1970s.

Wagner consistently impressed on the field, recording interceptions in all but one season (1977) and leading the league with eight picks in 1973. Overall, he totaled 36 interceptions during his career, placing him sixth on the Steelers’ all-time list.

His contributions weren’t limited to the regular season; he also made crucial interceptions during back-to-back Super Bowl victories against the Vikings and the Cowboys in 1975 and 1976.

After concluding his career following the 1980 season, Wagner was honored with inductions into both the Steelers and Pittsburgh Sports Halls of Fame.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to Mike’s family on behalf of the entire Pittsburgh Steelers organization,” the statement concluded. “He will always be remembered as a champion, an incredible teammate, and a cherished member of the Steelers family.”