Former Steelers safety Mike Wagner, a member of the Steelers teams that won four Super Bowls in the 1970s, has passed away. He was 76.
An 11th-round pick out of Western Illinois, Mr. Wagner spent all 10 of his NFL seasons with the Steelers. He earned trips to the Pro Bowl (1975, 1976) and was named second-team All-Pro in 1976. While he's often overshadowed by the several Hall of Famers on the famous defenses of the 1970s, Wagner was a highly-valued player on all four of those teams that brought a Lombardi Trophy to Pittsburgh.
"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," Art Rooney II said in a statement. "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 steady presence and team-first mentality that truly defined him.
"On behalf of the entire Pittsburgh Steelers organization, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mike's family. He will always be remembered as a champion, a great teammate, and a proud member of the Steelers family."
THE ASYLUM
Wagner passes away
Former Steelers safety Mike Wagner, a member of the Steelers teams that won four Super Bowls in the 1970s, has passed away. He was 76.
An 11th-round pick out of Western Illinois, Mr. Wagner spent all 10 of his NFL seasons with the Steelers. He earned trips to the Pro Bowl (1975, 1976) and was named second-team All-Pro in 1976. While he's often overshadowed by the several Hall of Famers on the famous defenses of the 1970s, Wagner was a highly-valued player on all four of those teams that brought a Lombardi Trophy to Pittsburgh.
"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," Art Rooney II said in a statement. "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 steady presence and team-first mentality that truly defined him.
"On behalf of the entire Pittsburgh Steelers organization, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mike's family. He will always be remembered as a champion, a great teammate, and a proud member of the Steelers family."
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits!
We’d love to have you!