Former Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl champion Mike Collier dead at 71

Mike Collier, who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1975 and helped the team win that season’s Super Bowl, passed away on Sunday at 71. 

No caused of death was provided for Collier on an online obituary.

Collier is best known for his one-season stint with Pittsburgh and several key plays throughout the year that helped the Steelers win the second of their current six Super Bowl titles. 

After being selected in the 14th round of the 1975 NFL Draft and working his way up the depth chart, Collier scored in his NFL regular season debut against the Chargers. 

Collier went on to score two more touchdowns during his lone professional season in Pittsburgh. 

In the ensuing Super Bowl against the Cowboys, a 25-yard, fourth-quarter kick return helped set up a Steelers go-ahead field goal and ultimately, helped them win their second-consecutive championship. 

Collier helped the Steelers win the Super Bowl over the Cowboys in his season in Pittsburgh

After injuries sidelined him for the 1976 season, Collier signed with the Buffalo Bills and played for three more NFL seasons before retiring. 

Collier returned to his home state of Maryland after retirement and managed a Martin’s grocery store. It was in Baltimore where he played college football for Morgan State. 

Collier also coached local football, basketball, and baseball until retiring in 2021. 

In his off time, Collier stayed involved with the Steelers, doing autograph signings and meeting fans whenever possible. 

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