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Mike Wagner, a former Professional Bowl defensive again and a key member of the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ famed “Metal Curtain” protection, has died on the age of 76.
Wagner spent his whole 10-year profession with the Steelers. Over that span, he was named to 2 Professional Bowls and helped Pittsburgh win 4 Tremendous Bowls over a six-year span. He was inducted into the Steelers Corridor of Honor in 2020.
“We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Mike Wagner, an amazing participant and an integral a part of a few of the most success groups in Pittsburgh Steelers historical past,” staff president Artwork Rooney II stated in an announcement. “As a member of 4 Tremendous Bowl-winning groups, his toughness and consistency had been paramount to our secondary. His contributions on the sphere had been vital, however it was additionally his regular presence and team-first mentality that actually outlined him.”
An eleventh spherical decide within the 1971 NFL Draft, Wagner was a part of a notable Pittsburgh draft class that additionally included future Corridor of Fame linebacker Jack Ham and fellow future starters in defensive linemen Ernie Holmes and Dwight White, offensive lineman Gerry Mullins, tight finish/offensive lineman Larry Brown and receiver Frank Lewis.
Regardless of his low draft inventory, Wagner cracked the Steelers’ lineup as a rookie and a 12 months later completed second on the staff with six interceptions. A 12 months later, he led the complete NFL with eight interceptions.
In 1974, Wagner helped the Steelers win the franchise’s first Tremendous Bowl, recording considered one of Pittsburgh’s three interceptions throughout Pittsburgh’s 16-6 win over the Minnesota Vikings. A 12 months later, he was named to his first of two consecutive Professional Bowls whereas serving to Pittsburgh repeat as champions. His fourth quarter interception of Roger Staubach in Tremendous Bowl X arrange a area purpose and helped the Steelers report a 21-17 win over the Cowboys.
In 1976, Wagner was considered one of a staggering eight Steelers defenders who had been chosen to the Professional Bowl. That season, Pittsburgh’s protection recorded 5 shoutouts and allowed simply 28 factors over a nine-game span.
Wagner remained a key element of the Steelers’ protection after they gained two extra Tremendous Bowls to shut out the last decade. In 1978, he crammed the stat sheet with two interceptions, three pressured fumbles and two sacks as Pittsburgh completed the season by defeating the Cowboys within the Tremendous Bowl for a second time.
In 1979, Wagner recorded 4 interceptions regardless of solely enjoying in eight common season video games. The Steelers completed that season with a 31-19 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Tremendous Bowl XIV.
He retired after the 1980 season with 36 profession interceptions, 12 fumble recoveries and 5 sacks.
“He’ll all the time be remembered as a champion,” Rooney stated, “an important teammate, and a proud member of the Steelers household.”
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