Mike Wagner, a former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back who played a significant role in the franchise's Steel Curtain dynasty, has died, the franchise announced Wednesday.
No cause of death was provided. Steelers owner Art Rooney II provided the following statement about Wagner's contributions to the team:
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.
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 Steelers drafted Wagner, an NAIA All-American at Western Illinois, in the 11th round of the 1971 NFL Draft, as the 268th overall pick.
As he recounted in a profile with his fraternity, Wagner didn't make the varsity team until his junior year of high school, saw little interest from college football programs and only made the WIU team after requesting a tryout from the school's head coach in late September. He balanced his football career with a job waiting tables.
Once he reached the Steelers, he got a starting safety job as a rookie after an injury opened up a spot. Over the next 10 seasons, he would notch 36 interceptions and earn two Pro Bowl nods, while starting for all four Super Bowl teams.
Wagner caught the game-sealing interception against Fran Tarkenton and the Minnesota Vikings in the Steeler's first title game at Super Bowl IX, then recorded another big interception against the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl X, as the Steelers' website explains:
Early in Super Bowl X, Roger Staubach hit Drew Pearson, coming across the middle, for a 29-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead. The Cowboys called the play again in the second half, and Mike Wagner stepped in for an interception that led to a field goal in what became a 21-17 Steelers win. "Wagner gambled and won," said Staubach. "I didn't see him."
Wagner retired in 1981, after 10 seasons with Pittsburgh. He was inducted into its Hall of Honor in 2020 and remained in the area for the rest of his life.