West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University Athletics Hall of Famer Mike Wagner has been nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025 in the Seniors category. The announcement was made last week by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which included Wagner among 182 players up for consideration. To be eligible, players must have last appeared in a professional football game during or before the 1999 season.

Wagner played as a defensive back for Western Illinois University from 1968 to 1970 and was named an NAIA Honorable Mention All-American in 1969. He joined the Pittsburgh Steelers after being selected in the 1971 NFL Draft and played with the team for 11 years. As a starting safety, Wagner contributed to all four Steelers Super Bowl championship teams and earned two Pro Bowl selections (1975-76).

In recognition of his college career, Wagner was inducted into the Leatherneck Athletics Hall of Fame in 1976. He holds program records for interception return yardage (343) and single-season interceptions (nine), and ranks second in career interceptions (15).

The list of nominees includes 100 offensive players, 77 defensive players, and five special teamers. A newly established Seniors Screening Committee will narrow down this list to 50 players over the coming weeks. Following this, the Seniors Blue-Ribbon Committee will further reduce the number of candidates until three finalists are chosen later this fall.

Eligibility criteria for nomination include having last played at least 25 seasons ago, five years of service, and at least one recognized postseason honor.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025 will be enshrined next August.