Former Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl Champion Running Back Has Tragically Passed Away

Pittsburgh Steelers helmet (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Mike Collier has reportedly passed away.

Collier played two seasons with the Steelers (1975-67) and spent three with the Buffalo Bills from 1977-79. He died at the age of 71 in Maryland on Sunday, according to reports.

The former RB, who played his college football at Morgan State, is reported to have died at the Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown.

Sad news as former #Steelers RB Mike Collier recently passed away

“I believed in myself – that was the most important thing. I just needed opportunities. They used me a lot in short yardage – I was powerful and determined and was able to get those yards.”… pic.twitter.com/5mUPiCNpEJ

— Steelers Takeaways 🌗 (@PittsburghSport) February 20, 2025

Collier told the Baltimore Sun 12 years ago that his time in the NFL felt like a dream, and he expressed gratitude for the opportunity.

“It used to seem like a dream,” he told the outlet. “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.”

Collier, drafted in the 14th round in 1975, just wanted an opportunity to prove himself in the pros. He ended up becoming a Super Bowl Champion with the Steelers.