Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II confirmed the passing of safety Mike Wagner from the legendary Steel Curtain Super Bowl-winning defenses of the 1970s
12:22 ET, 19 Feb 2026Updated 12:22 ET, 19 Feb 2026
Mike Wagner
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Steelers S Mike Wagner was a fearsome defender for many years(Image: Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor safety Mike Wagner passed away at the age of 76 on Thursday, the team confirmed in a statement from longtime owner Art Rooney II.
Wagner won four Super Bowl titles in the 1970s as a member of the vaunted 'Steel Curtain' defense featuring Pro Football Hall of Famers like Jack Lambert, Jack Ham, and Joe Greene. The team was marshalled under center by Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw, now an affable personality covering the NFL on FOX
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“There are some Steelers that I played with, my teammates, who are not only the greatest Steelers of all time, but maybe the greatest NFL players of all time,” Wagner said during his Steelers Hall of Honor ceremony.
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“Debatable, arguable, but to join those guys, it’s really a treat. It’s really a thrill, and I’m proud to have earned it," he added.
Wagner, a Waukegan, IL native, was born in 1949. Pittsburgh drafted him in the 11th round of the 1971 NFL Draft out of Western Illinois, a little-known school.
Mike Wagner
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Wagner (M) made an effort to appear at Steelers games later in life(Image: Getty Images)
He spent his entire 11-year career in Pittsburgh, earning Pro Bowl nods in 1975 and 1976 and a First-team All-Pro berth in 1973 (and a second-team in 1976).
Wagner has interceptions against the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys in the Super Bowl. The ball-hawking safety finished his career with 36 career picks. He also holds the Steelers franchise record for playoff interceptions with five (tied with Jack Ham).
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“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,” longtime Pittsburgh owner 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."
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“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.”
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After retiring, Wagner briefly served as a high school football coach before pivoting to a position in the financial industry and working as a bank teller.