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.
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.
“All I asked for was a chance,” he said 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.”
He rushed for a total of 370 yards on 86 carries, adding 11 receptions for another 73 yards.
Mike Collier Had One Gripe About Coaches In The NFL
Former Pittsburgh Steeler Mike Collier (Photo via Imagn Images)
The Maryland native also famously claimed that he played for the best NFL coach in Chuck Noll, stating that the former HC never got the credit he deserved.
“You always hear people talking about [Bill] Belichick and other guys as the greatest coaches. You rarely hear about Noll,” he declared. “That upsets me greatly. He was one of the greatest coaches ever in that timeframe.”
Collier lived with his wife, Lisa, their three children, and six grandchildren in Hagerstown, where he worked as the manager of a local grocery store until 2014.
Our hearts go out to his family.
Rest in Peace, Mike Collier – 1953-2025.
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