Mike Wagner obit

Steelers' 4x Super Bowl 

Champion Mike Wagner 

Dies At 76

 

He was not on the list.

Pittsburgh Steelers fans got hit with some crushing news on Wednesday night as it was revealed that four-time Super Bowl champion Mike Wagner has died at 76 years old. Sources confirmed to SteelerNation.com and later confirmed by the Steelers official website that after a long battle with illness, Wagner passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that Steelers fans will never forget. Drafted in the 11th round of the 1971 NFL Draft, 268th overall, Wagner became a cornerstone of the Steelers' dominant defense in the 1970s and played a pivotal role in the team’s golden era.

Wagner’s career was decorated with numerous accolades that reflected his impact on the field. He was a 4× Super Bowl champion, winning titles in IX, X, XIII, and XIV, and earned First Team All-Pro honors in 1973 as well as Second Team All-Pro recognition in 1976.

His peers and fans alike celebrated his playmaking ability, which included leading the NFL in interceptions in 1973 and being selected to two Pro Bowls in 1975 and 1976. Wagner’s contributions were not just statistical, his leadership and presence in the secondary helped define the Steelers’ dynasty.

Beyond the field, Wagner’s influence has been permanently recognized by the Steelers organization and the broader football community. He was named to the Pittsburgh Steelers 50th Anniversary Team and inducted into the Steelers Hall of Honor, while also earning a spot in the Pittsburgh Pro Football Hall of Fame.

His legacy is a reminder of the grit, determination, and excellence that defined Pittsburgh football in the 1970s, and fans will remember him not only for the championships, but also for the heart and dedication he brought to every game. Steelers Team President Art Rooney II gave a statement after he got the tragic news.

"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," Rooney said. "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."

Off the field, Wagner was just as respected. Teammates recall his calm presence in the locker room and the way he mentored younger players, always leading by example. Fans remember him for his game-changing plays, his instinctive reads, and his consistency in critical moments that helped secure four Super Bowl titles.

Steelers Legend Mike Wagner Truly Embodied The Spirit Of Pittsburgh Football

His legacy goes beyond the stats and awards, living on in the Steelers Hall of Honor, the 50th Anniversary Team, and the countless memories of fans who watched him dominate on Sundays. Wagner will be remembered not just as a champion and a standout player but as a teammate and a person who truly embodied the spirit of Pittsburgh football.

Steelers fans would often hold up a huge sign for Mike Wagner that read "Mike Wagner's Wild Bunch."

As the Steelers organization and its fan base as a whole continue to mourn, Wagner’s impact remains impossible to overlook. He was a key piece of one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history and helped set the standard for excellence that still defines the franchise today.

From a late-round draft pick to a four-time Super Bowl champion, his journey is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and team-first football. While his passing is a heartbreaking loss, his legacy will live on in Pittsburgh forever. Wagner’s name, contributions, and character will always be remembered as part of Steelers history.

Steelers President Art Rooney II released a statement on Wednesday night.