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Tunch Ilkin, a former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman and the team's longtime radio color analyst, has died at the age of 63 after a battle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
The Steelers confirmed Ilkin's passing on Saturday (September 4) in a statement shared on their official website, beginning with, "The world is a lesser place today."
"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 announced his retirement from broadcasting to focus on treatment for ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, on June 3 after initially announching his diagnosis last fall.
The former Indiana State standout was selected by the Steelers in the sixth-round of the 1980 NFL Draft and spent his first 13 seasons in Pittsburgh before one final season with the Green Bay Packers in 1993.
Ilkin, who was the first Turk to play in the NFL, had since served as a broadcaster in the Pittsburgh market, which includes 23 years as the color analyst on the Pittsburgh Steelers Radio Network.
"I have had 37 years in the NFL, with 14 as a player and the last 23 in broadcasting as the color analyst on the Pittsburgh Steelers Radio Network, and I've decided to retire," said Ilkin in a statement shared by Steelers.com. "I was diagnosed with ALS in September 2020, and I want to spend this time focusing on my treatment and fighting this disease. I would like to thank Steelers President Art Rooney II, the Steelers organization, and the fans for their continued support and prayers at this time."
Amid his retirement, Ilkin said his treatment entailed three weekly visits to the chiropractor, who treats him with a cold laser, to go along with regular visits to former Steelers teammate Jon Kolb's training facility, Adventures in Training with a Purpose, for pool and underwater treadmill exercises.
He said he spent each Wednesday taking a morning walk through the streets of Mt. Washington, where he is joined by Kolb, Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert, former NFL defensive lineman Leo Wisniewski, Tim Colussy and several "guys from my Bible study group."
"We walk for an hour every Wednesday, and then we go to the statues at Point of View Park (on Mt. Washington), and we pray," Ilkin said.
Ilkin was a two-time Pro Bowler in 1988 and 1989, spending his first 12 seasons playing for Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Chuck Noll and final with the Steelers under Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Bill Cowher during the Cowher's first season in Pittsburgh.