Wagner recorded interceptions in the Steelers' first two Super Bowl wins, including a game-sealing pick in Super Bowl IX and another key interception in Super Bowl X against the Dallas Cowboys. As a member of four Super Bowl-winning teams, his toughness and consistency were paramount to the Steelers' secondary.
Selected in the 11th round of the 1971 NFL Draft, Wagner played 10 seasons with the Steelers, notching 36 interceptions and earning two Pro Bowl nods. Despite going undrafted out of Western Illinois, where he had to request a tryout, Wagner became an integral part of one of the most successful teams in NFL history.