Former Steelers Super Bowl champion Mike Collier ᴅᴇᴀᴅ at 71

Former Steelers Super Bowl champion Mike Collier ᴅᴇᴀᴅ at 71

Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Mike Collier died in Maryland on Sunday, according to an online obituary.

Collier, who won Super Bowl X with the Steelers in 1975, was 71 years old. No cause of death was announced.

“It used to seem like a dream,” he told the Baltimore Sun in 2013 of his time in the pros. “I realize that a lot of people would love to have been in my position. I thank God that He gave me the opportunity to be there.”

Mike Collier, number 44, celebrates after Lynn Swann’s touchdown catch in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl X. AP

Collier played at Morgan State University in Baltimore before he was selected by the defending-champion Steelers in the 14th round of the 1975 NFL Draft as a running back — though he was more known as a kick returner in college.

“All I asked for was a chance,” Collier recalled in 2014. “Being in the NFL and having that chance was the greatest thing. Luckily, there were six preseason games then. A couple guys got hurt – nothing too serious but it gave me a chance to play and prove myself.”

In his first regular season game, Collier scored a seven-yard touchdown in a 37-0 rout of the Chargers. It was one of three touchdowns during the season.

The Steelers repeated as AFC champions, setting up a classic showdown with the Cowboys in Super Bowl X.

Mike Collier signing autographs. Facebook/Michael Collier

“We had the best preparer in the game in Chuck Noll,” Collier said in 2014. “He was the best at making us ready to win a championship. He never got enough credit.”

“You always hear people talking about [Bill] Belichick and other guys as the greatest coaches. You rarely hear about Noll. That upsets me greatly. He was one of the greatest coaches ever in that timeframe.”

In the fourth quarter with the Steelers trailing 10-9, Collier returned a free kick 25 yards to set Pittsburgh up in Dallas territory.

The Steelers kicked a go-ahead field goal on the ensuing drive en route to the championship win.

Mike Collier played for the Steelers and Bills during his NFL career. Michael Collier / Facebook

Collier spent three seasons in the NFL as injuries shortened his career. He played for the Bills in 1977 and 1979 before he retired from professional football.

Following his playing days, he became a manager at Martin’s grocery store in Hagerstown, Md. after being unable to find a teaching job in Baltimore.

Collier was a popular figure, signing autographs and letting fans try on his Super Bowl ring. He enjoyed spending time with his family and watching football, his obituary read.

Mike Collier was selected by the Steelers in the 1975 NFL Draft. New York Post
Mike Collier died at 71. Facebook/Michael Collier

He would also help raise money for local charities.

“I try to do everything I can to help people out. You know, I was blessed to be able to play in the NFL and win Super Bowls and be able to help people out that’s what it’s about,” he told DC News Now.

Collier is survived by his wife Lia, three children and six grandchildren.

Related Posts

Cam Ward puts on a show at Miami Pro Day with Giants, rest of NFL watching: ‘All they need to see’

Cam Ward puts on a show at Miami Pro Day with Giants, rest of NFL watching: ‘All they need to see’

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — As he was going about his work on the field, Cam Ward did not have to sense that the eyes of those in…

Tom Brady lifts the lid on the ‘tension’ with Bill Belichick that led to his Patriots exit

Tom Brady lifts the lid on the ‘tension’ with Bill Belichick that led to his Patriots exit

It’s been five years since Tom Brady left the Patriots to sign with the Bucs, and the legendary quarterback has acknowledged that ‘tension’ between him and Bill…

Chiefs heiress Gracie Hunt posts cryptic vacation message following crushing Super Bowl defeat

Chiefs heiress Gracie Hunt posts cryptic vacation message following crushing Super Bowl defeat

Gracie Hunt treated herself to a sunny vacation six weeks on from the Chiefs’ crushing Super Bowl loss to the Eagles. Hunt, the daughter of Chiefs owner…

Trump says Chiefs’ getting White House visit following Eagles after missing ‘their turn because of COVID’

Trump says Chiefs’ getting White House visit following Eagles after missing ‘their turn because of COVID’

The Eagles won’t be the only NFL team invited to the White House in 2025. Despite a loss in Super Bowl LIX in February, President Donald Trump…

Rams star Puka Nacua reveals shock career plan

Rams star Puka Nacua reveals shock career plan

Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua has revealed that he does not want to play in the NFL beyond his 30th birthday. The 23-year-old has cemented himself…

Influencer impersonates Texans superstar QB CJ Stroud to get into Houston rodeo for free

Influencer impersonates Texans superstar QB CJ Stroud to get into Houston rodeo for free

Social-media influencer ColinDrum snuck into a Houston rodeo posing as Texans quarterback CJ Stroud recently, posting his free trip to NRG Stadium online.  ColinDrum and Stroud do…