By ISABEL BALDWIN, US ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Published: 07:06 EST, 19 February 2026 | Updated: 07:06 EST, 19 February 2026

Mike Wagner, a four-time Super Bowl champion, died this week at the age of 76, the Pittsburgh Steelers confirmed. 

Wagner was a safety on Pittsburgh’s famed ‘Steel Curtain’ defense during the team’s great dynasty of the 1970s, earning two Pro Bowl nods with 36 career interceptions. 

‘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,’ Steelers president 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.

‘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.’

An Illinois native, Wagner played college football at Western Illinois and was an NAIA All-American pick in 1969. 

Mike Wagner, a four-time Super Bowl champion, died this week at the age of 76

Mike Wagner, a four-time Super Bowl champion, died this week at the age of 76

The former safety was part of the Pittsburgh Steelers' fames 'Steel Curtain' defense

The former safety was part of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ fames ‘Steel Curtain’ defense

He went on to be selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 11th round of the 1971 NFL Draft, starting in all 12 games as a rookie. 

Following the 1971 season, which saw Pittsburgh finish at 6-8, the Steelers ran off nine straight winning seasons. 

During that run, the team established itself as an NFL dynasty, clinching a playoff berth eight times and winning four Super Bowls. 

In a 10-year career from 1971-1980, Wagner played in 119 games with 116 starts. He recorded at least two interceptions in every season except one (1977) and led the NFL in picks in 1973 with a career-best eight. 

After hanging up his cleats following the end of the 1980 season, Wagner would go on to be inducted into both the Steelers and Pittsburgh Sports Hall of Fames. 

Share or comment on this article:
Mike Wagner, a four-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers, dead at 76