Ex Steelers Running Back Passes Away at 71

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Timm Hamm | Last updated Feb 20, 2025 1:38 PM ET

As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for a full offseason of improving the coaching staff and player roster, the NFL family received some heartbreaking news.

Former Steelers running back Mike Collier passed away at the age of 71 at his home in Hagerstown, Maryland. An online obituary says he passed back on Feb. 16.

Michael Jerome Collier, 71 of Hagerstown, MD passed away Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown. Born on September 12, 1953, in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Doris & Sylvan Collier Sr.

He was a graduate of Morgan State University where he earned his BS in physical education. He was a proud member of the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. After graduating college, he was drafted to the NFL by the Pittsburgh Steelers where he went on to become a 2X Super Bowl Champion.

After retiring from the NFL, he went on to coach local youth in football, basketball and baseball while working as a grocery manager until his retirement in 2021.

Collier was drafted by Pittsburgh in the 14th round of the 1975 NFL Draft but was injured all of the 1976 season. He played for the Bills in 1977 but did not play in 1978. His final season in the NFL was 1979 for the Bills before he retired.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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