Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive again Mike Wagner, a four-time Tremendous Bowl champion with the franchise throughout its “Metal Curtain” dynasty, has died at 76.
The Steelers introduced Wagner’s demise on Wednesday evening with a press release.
“We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Mike Wagner, an amazing participant and an integral a part of a few of the most profitable groups in Pittsburgh Steelers historical past,” Steelers proprietor Artwork Rooney II stated in a press release.
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No explanation for demise has been supplied.
Wagner was a two-time Professional Bowler throughout his 10-year profession for the Steelers, racking up 36 interceptions and 5 compelled fumbles from 1971-80.
The Steelers took him 268th total within the 1971 NFL Draft, which was the eleventh spherical on the time.
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“Mike performed a key position on our championship groups of the Seventies. As a member of 4 Tremendous Bowl-winning groups, his toughness and consistency have been paramount to our secondary. His contributions on the sector have been vital, but it surely was additionally his regular presence and team-first mentality that actually outlined him,” Rooney’s assertion continued.
“On behalf of all the Pittsburgh Steelers group, we prolong our heartfelt condolences to Mike’s household. He’ll at all times be remembered as a champion, an important teammate, and a proud member of the Steelers household.”
Wagner’s soccer journey is a novel one main as much as the NFL Draft.
Security Mike Wagner of the Pittsburgh Steelers returns to the sideline holding the soccer after intercepting a go in opposition to the Oakland Raiders throughout the 1975 season AFC Championship playoff recreation at Three Rivers Stadium on Jan. 4, 1976, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (George Gojkovich/Getty Photographs)
He went to Western Illinois College, however he didn’t play for the soccer group till he requested the top coach for a tryout after not getting curiosity to compete for another college.
Western Illinois coach obliged, and Wagner made the group. Nevertheless, he was nonetheless ready tables as a way to generate income whereas enjoying for the group.
The Steelers would ultimately take a shot on him, however the late-round choose wasn’t an afterthought in his rookie season.
Wagner began at security following an harm on the depth chart, and he wouldn’t relinquish his beginning place from there.
He began in 116 of his 119 profession video games, and in 1973, he led the league with eight interceptions.
Mike Wagner, former security for the Pittsburgh Steelers, seems to be on from the sideline throughout a recreation between the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Discipline on Nov. 30, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (George Gojkovich/Getty Photographs)
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Amongst these profession interceptions have been the game-sealing one in opposition to the Minnesota Vikings, choosing off the nice Fran Tarkenton to present the Steelers the Tremendous Bowl IX victory — the franchise’s first.
In 2020, the Steelers had Wagner enter its Corridor of Honor and continued to be across the group till his demise.
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