Underrated key to Super Bowl secondary, Mike Wagner #24

11th round safety Steelers 24th best draft pick since 1969

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:48pm

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As the NFL Draft approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers are highlighting their 50 best draft picks since 1969. At number 24 on the list is safety Mike Wagner, an 11th round selection from Western Illinois in 1971 who went on to have a standout career with the Steelers, leading the NFL in interceptions in 1973 and playing a key role in the team's Super Bowl X victory.

Why it matters

The Steelers' ability to find and develop late-round gems like Mike Wagner has been a key factor in the team's sustained success over the past five decades, including 43 winning seasons and 6 Super Bowl titles. Wagner's story exemplifies how the Steelers have consistently built championship-caliber rosters through shrewd draft selections.

The details

Wagner, a 6th-round pick, went on to record 36 interceptions for the Steelers, the 6th most in franchise history. He led the team in interceptions in 1972 and 1980, and had a standout performance in the Steelers' Super Bowl X victory, recording 3 interceptions including one that set up a crucial field goal. Wagner was also known for his big games against the Steelers' AFC rivals, recording multiple interception games against Ken Anderson and the Bengals.

  • Mike Wagner was drafted by the Steelers in the 11th round in 1971.
  • In his second season in 1972, Wagner led the Steelers with 6 interceptions.
  • In 1973, Wagner led the NFL with 8 interceptions.
  • In the Steelers' Super Bowl X win in 1975, Wagner had 3 interceptions including one against Roger Staubach that set up a field goal.
  • Wagner recorded his final 3-interception game in 1980 against the Bears.

The players

Mike Wagner

An 11th round safety draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1971 out of Western Illinois, Wagner went on to have a standout career with the team, recording 36 interceptions which ranks 6th on the Steelers' all-time list.

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The takeaway

Mike Wagner's story is a testament to the Steelers' ability to find and develop late-round talent, a key factor in the team's sustained success over the past five decades. Wagner's playmaking ability in the secondary, including his standout performance in Super Bowl X, solidifies his place as one of the most underrated draft picks in Steelers history.