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Steelers Legend Mike Wagner Passes Away at 76

2/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mike Wagner, legendary Steelers safety, died at 76, the team confirmed.
He was a four-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Pro Bowl selection.
Wagner was drafted in the 11th round of the 1971 NFL Draft from Western Illinois.
He played ten seasons with the Steelers and recorded 36 interceptions, including eight in 1973.
Art Rooney II, the Steelers president, expressed condolences for Wagner's battle with pancreatic cancer since 2020.

History

Historical Context

The Pittsburgh Steelers won their first Super Bowl in 1975, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 21-17. This victory marked a turning point for the franchise, which had struggled since its founding in 1933. Under coach Chuck Noll, the team built a dynasty in the 1970s, highlighted by the "Steel Curtain" defense and key players like Mike Wagner, who recorded four interceptions that season.

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Story summary

Mike Wagner, legendary Steelers safety, died at 76, the team confirmed.
He was a four-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Pro Bowl selection.
Wagner was drafted in the 11th round of the 1971 NFL Draft from Western Illinois.
He played ten seasons with the Steelers and recorded 36 interceptions, including eight in 1973.
Art Rooney II, the Steelers president, expressed condolences for Wagner's battle with pancreatic cancer since 2020.

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