Long-time Steelers S Mike Wagner dies at 76

Wagner was a key member of the Steelers' championship teams in the 1970s.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 1:39pm

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Safety Mike Wagner, who played 10 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and was a member of four Super Bowl-winning teams in the 1970s, has passed away at the age of 76. Wagner was a Pro Bowler in 1975 and 1976 and a second-team All-Pro in 1976, and he finished his career with 36 interceptions.

Why it matters

Mike Wagner was an integral part of the Steelers' dynasty in the 1970s, helping the team win four Super Bowls during that dominant era. As a hard-hitting safety, he played a key role in the Steelers' secondary and was known for his toughness and consistency on the field.

The details

Wagner was an 11th-round draft pick by the Steelers in 1971 and went on to play 10 seasons with the team, starting in 116 of the 119 regular-season games he appeared in. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and a second-team All-Pro in 1976, and he finished his career with 36 interceptions.

  • Mike Wagner passed away on February 19, 2026.

The players

Mike Wagner

A safety who played 10 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, winning four Super Bowls in the 1970s.

Art Rooney II

The owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who expressed his condolences on the passing of Mike Wagner.

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What they’re saying

“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, Steelers Owner

The takeaway

Mike Wagner's legacy as a key member of the Steelers' championship teams in the 1970s will be remembered fondly by the team and its fans. His toughness, consistency, and team-first mentality made him an invaluable part of one of the NFL's greatest dynasties.