Iron Mike — the greatest center in NFL history and the man whose death triggered the NFL CTE investigation.
Mike Webster was born in Tomahawk, Wisconsin in 1952. The Steelers selected him in the fifth round in 1974. He was the anchor of Pittsburgh's offensive line for all four Super Bowl victories. He played 245 games — the NFL record for an offensive lineman at the time. After retirement he suffered severe dementia — living in his car and under bridges. His autopsy in 2002 revealed CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), triggering the NFL's traumatic brain injury investigation that changed the sport forever. The Will Smith film Concussion was based on the doctor who diagnosed him.
Best Known For
Super Bowl 4x
Honours & Achievements
Career Honours
- Super Bowl 4x
- Pro Bowl 9x
- All-Pro 6x
Career Journey
Timeline
1952
👶 Born in Tomahawk, Wisconsin
1990
🏁 Retired from professional sport
🏟️ Pittsburgh Steelers
🏆 Super Bowl 4x
🏆 Pro Bowl 9x
🏆 All-Pro 6x