Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Mike Collier died in Maryland on Sunday, according to an online obituary.
Collier, who won Super Bowl X with the Steelers in 1975, was 71 years old. No cause of death was announced.
“It used to seem like a dream,” he told the Baltimore Sun in 2013 of his time in the pros. “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 played at Morgan State University in Baltimore before he was selected by the defending-champion Steelers in the 14th round of the 1975 NFL Draft as a running back — though he was more known as a kick returner in college.
“All I asked for was a chance,” Collier recalled 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.”
In his first regular season game, Collier scored a seven-yard touchdown in a 37-0 rout of the Chargers. It was one of three touchdowns during the season.
The Steelers repeated as AFC champions, setting up a classic showdown with the Cowboys in Super Bowl X.
“We had the best preparer in the game in Chuck Noll,” Collier said in 2014. “He was the best at making us ready to win a championship. He never got enough credit.”
“You always hear people talking about [Bill] Belichick and other guys as the greatest coaches. You rarely hear about Noll. That upsets me greatly. He was one of the greatest coaches ever in that timeframe.”
In the fourth quarter with the Steelers trailing 10-9, Collier returned a free kick 25 yards to set Pittsburgh up in Dallas territory.
The Steelers kicked a go-ahead field goal on the ensuing drive en route to the championship win.
Collier spent three seasons in the NFL as injuries shortened his career. He played for the Bills in 1977 and 1979 before he retired from professional football.
Following his playing days, he became a manager at Martin’s grocery store in Hagerstown, Md. after being unable to find a teaching job in Baltimore.
Collier was a popular figure, signing autographs and letting fans try on his Super Bowl ring. He enjoyed spending time with his family and watching football, his obituary read.
He would also help raise money for local charities.
“I try to do everything I can to help people out. You know, I was blessed to be able to play in the NFL and win Super Bowls and be able to help people out that’s what it’s about,” he told DC News Now.
Collier is survived by his wife Lia, three children and six grandchildren.
