Former Steeler, broadcaster Ilkin passes away after bout with pneumonia

Former Steelers offensive lineman and broadcaster Tunch Ilkin died late Friday night at UPMC Mercy Hospital. He was 63.

 “He’s with Jesus,” wrote his longtime friend and former teammate Craig Wolfley in a text message confirming the news.

Ilkin was immensely popular within the Pittsburgh community and among Steelers fans for his generosity and philanthropy. 

He was hospitalized Aug. 24 with pneumonia, his wife Karen said. Pneumonia is among the leading causes of death for people with amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Ilkin was diagnosed with the progressive disease of the nervous system last September and he announced his retirement from the broadcast booth after 23 years in June. 

The Steelers inducted Ilkin into their Hall of Honor this year, and his family and friends were hoping he could take part in the Nov. 13-14 ceremonies the weekend the Steelers host the Lions.

"We are heartbroken by the passing of Tunch Ilkin," said Steelers President Art Rooney II. "He was a man of faith who dedicated his entire life to being a devout Christian and family man. His passion for the game of football was evident in his everyday life. As a player, he fought his way through tough times of being cut and injured but continued to make an impact as a leader of our offensive line and made two Pro Bowls.

"After his playing career, Tunch continued to make an impact in our community in so many ways. His efforts and dedication to the Light of Life was unparalleled, and his desire to always help others made everyone appreciate him."

Ilkin became the first player of Turkish descent to play in the NFL after he moved to United States with his family at age 2. He was drafted by the Steelers in 1980 and played 176 games for the franchise through 1992. He retired after the 1993 season, which was spent with the Packers.

After being cut as a rookie and re-signed six weeks later, Ilkin evolved into a two-time Pro Bowler and was one of 33 players named to the organization’s all-time team in 2007, which commemorated its 75th anniversary. 

“He was cut once or twice at least, but in true Tunch fashion, kept fighting, never gave up,” Rooney said after the Hall of Honor announcement. “Then, he followed that up with a Hall of Fame broadcasting career, in my opinion. We’re so fortunate to have him as part of Steelers football for so many years.” 

In 1995, Ilkin worked as a color commentator for CBS on NFL broadcasts, but left those duties after just one year because it took time away from his family.

But in 1998, the Steelers came calling, adding Ilkin to their radio broadcast team, where he was put in the booth with Bill Hillgrove and Myron Cope.

Following Cope's retirement in 2004, Hillgrove and Ilkin formed a two-man pairing calling Steelers games, which he continued to do until his retirement earlier this year to devote time to fighting his affliction.

"Sad," was all Hillgrove could say in a text prior to stepping into booth to call the Pitt vs. UMass football game at Heinz Field.

Ilkin and Wolfley had been almost inseparable from the moment they were drafted together in 1980. Karen Ilkin said recently what a toll her husband’s ALS diagnosis had taken on Wolfley. The best friends continued to get together at least once a week, but Wolfley acknowledged how tough it had been attending training camp this season without having his buddy around. 

“I miss him like I miss a front tooth,” said Wolfley several weeks ago. Wolfley was named Ilkin’s replacement as the Steelers’ radio color analyst last month. He’s also participated in many of Ilkin’s charitable endeavors, including the Light of Life Rescue Mission, a homeless shelter and addiction recovery ministry. The organization’s 10K walk has generated more than $100,000 annually for Light of Life.

Ilkin was preceded in death by his first wife, Sharon, who died in 2012 after a long battle with cancer.

Ilkin, who converted from Islam to Christianity, served as a pastor of Men’s Ministry for The Bible Chapel. His outgoing and friendly nature made him popular among fans who had the opportunity to meet him at training camp and out in the public.

And he remained popular with all of the team's current and former players, whom he often worked with not only on the field, but off.

"Today we lost a heck of a person but God gained an unbelievable angel," defensive end Cam Heyward wrote on Instagram. "Your love, faith, candor, and strength will be remembered forever. I’m lucky enough to have talked and got to know you. May you be at peace brother. RIP TUNCH"

lkin's death was felt in the media world, as well. Many longtime media members not only worked with Ilkin ins his duties with the Steelers Radio Network, but covered him as a player, as well.

And Ilkin's reach went beyond the football field.He had truly become a Pittsburgh icon after spending more than 40 years of his life in the public eye in his adopted home town.

Funeral arrangements are by Beinhauer Family Funeral Home. Friends are welcome at the South Hills Bible Chapel, 300 Gallery Dr., McMurray, Pa. 15317, on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. A service to celebrate Ilkin's life will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the South Hills Bible Chapel. For those who cannot attend, the service will be streamed live on biblechapel.org. Private interment will be in Bethel Cemetery. Memorial donations in Ilkin's name may be made to Light of Life Rescue Mission, 913 Western Ave., Pittsburgh, 15233.