Steelers Legend Mike Wagner Dies at 76
The NFL is mourning the loss of Pittsburgh Steelers legend Mike Wagner, who died at age 76. Wagner was a key member of the Steelers' dynasty, winning four Super Bowl championships during his career. The defensive back was an integral part of Pittsburgh's dominant teams in the 1970s.
- Wagner was selected by the Steelers in the 11th round of the 1971 NFL Draft, as the 268th overall pick, after playing college football at Western Illinois University where he earned NAIA All-American honors in 1969. - In his 10-year career with the Steelers, he recorded 36 interceptions and 12 fumble recoveries in 119 regular-season games. He also had five interceptions in the postseason. - He tied for the NFL lead with eight interceptions in 1973 and was a two-time Pro Bowl selection in 1975 and 1976. - Wagner had crucial interceptions in back-to-back Super Bowls, picking off Fran Tarkenton in Super Bowl IX and Roger Staubach in Super Bowl X. - After retiring from the NFL in 1981, he earned an M.B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh and worked in the financial industry, becoming a bank vice president. He also coached defensive backs at Pine-Richland High School. - Former Steelers linebacker Andy Russell once called Wagner "the best safety the Steelers ever had." - Wagner passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer, with which he was diagnosed in the summer of 2020.
