Mike Wagner, a four-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Pro Bowl defensive back with the Steelers, died this week, the team confirmed Wednesday night.
He was 76.
“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,” the team said in its statement.
Defensive back Mike Wagner looks up after tackling Houston Oilers wide receiver Billy Johnson during a game at Three Rivers Stadium in 1979 in Pittsburgh. Getty Images
Born in Illinois, Wagner played his college ball at Western Illinois and was an NAIA All-American pick in 1969.
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He was inducted into the school’s athletic hall of fame seven years later.
Wagner was taken in the 11th round (the 1,274th overall pick) of the 1971 NFL Draft and quickly emerged as a top-tier defensive back on a defense that became widely known as the “Steel Curtain,” which helped turn the Steelers into a dynasty in the mid-to-late 1970s.
He recorded at least two interceptions in every season except one (1977) and led the NFL in picks in 1973 with a career-best eight.
Wagner finished his career with 36 interceptions, which ranks sixth on the Steelers’ all-time list.
Wagner’s feats on defense weren’t limited to the regular season, however, as he recorded an interception in back-to-back Super Bowl victories over the Vikings and Cowboys in 1975 and ’76.
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He officially hung up his cleats after the 1980 season and was later inducted into both the Steelers and Pittsburgh Sports Hall of Fames.
Mike Wagner, former safety for the Steelers, looks on from the sideline during a game between the Saints and the Steelers at Heinz Field on Nov. 30, 2014 in Pittsburgh. Getty Images
“On behalf of the entire Pittsburgh Steelers organization, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mike’s family,” the Steelers added. “He will always be remembered as a champion, a great teammate, and a proud member of the Steelers family.”
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