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Two NFL Legends with a Combined 11 Super Bowl Rings Died This Week

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This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Lombardi Trophy. Mike Wagner and Neal Dahlen passed away.
Lombardi Trophy (Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images)

Seven-time Super Bowl champion executive Neal Dahlen and Pittsburgh Steelers legend Mike Wagner both passed away on Wednesday

Neal Dahlen was an executive for the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos. He was part of the 49ers’ front office that won five Super Bowls between 1981 and 1994, and with the Broncos’ back-to-back Super Bowl championship squads in 1998 and 1999.

Dahlen’s family informed the Denver Broncos of his passing. He was 85.

Wagner spent his entire 10-year career with the Steelers. The All-Pro safety played an integral part in the ’70s “Steel Curtain” dynasty that won four Super Bowl championships under head coach Chuck Noll.

Steelers president Art Rooney II issued a statement on Mike Wagner’s passing via X/Twitter on Wednesday. Wagner had battled pancreatic cancer since being diagnosed with it in 2020.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of Neal Dahlen and Mike Wagner during this difficult time.

Neal Dahlen & Mike Wagner Combined For 11 Super Bowl Rings

Mike Wagner and Joe Greene (Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports)

Among all NFL executives, coaches and players, only Bill Belichick (eight) won more Super Bowls than Neal Dahlen. Belichick won two as the New York Giants’ defensive coordinator before capturing six more as the head coach of the New England Patriots.

Dahlen’s seven Super Bowl rings are tied with the legendary Tom Brady for the second-most in history. He was the Broncos’ GM from 1999 to 2001, before shifting to the director of football administration role.

Wagner exceeded expectations as an 11th-round pick out of Western Michigan in 1971. He had a knack for showing up in big moments, recording an interception in the Steelers’ Super Bowl 9 and Super Bowl 10 victories.

The Steelers were loaded with superstars and Hall of Fame players during their dynastic run in the ’70s. But don’t overlook the contributions of Wagner, who perfectly complemented Mel Blount in the secondary.

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