PITTSBURGH -- Tunch Ilkin, a former Steelers offensive tackle and longtime broadcaster, died Saturday. He was 63 years old.
Ilkin revealed that he was diagnosed with ALS in October 2020. He was also diagnosed as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Ilkin was recently hospitalized with pneumonia.
In June, he announced that he would be retiring from Steelers broadcasting duties in order to concentrate on his treatment.
Ilkin, a two-time Pro Bowl lineman was announced as part of the four-member 2021 class that will be inducted into the Steelers Hall of Honor later in this year.
Tunch Ilkin's passing has left us devastated. Art Rooney II, Steelers president, said that he was a man of faith who had dedicated his whole life to being a Christian and a family man. His passion for football was evident in every aspect of his daily life. He was a great player and fought through injuries and cuts, but he continued to be a strong leader on our offensive line, earning two Pro Bowls.
Ilkin was a Steeler player from 1980 to 1992. He later returned to the Steelers as a color analyst for 23 years.
Ilkin was a staple of Pittsburgh and the Steelers' communities. He was the first NFL player to be born in Turkey and was active in his church, The Bible Chapel in South Hills. Ilkin was also a volunteer at The Light of Life Rescue Mission.
Rooney released the following statement: "After his playing career Tunch continued making an impact in our communities in so many ways." "His dedication and efforts to the Light of Life were unmatched, and his desire for helping others made him an admirable person."
Ilkin was a regular at the team's training center throughout the season. He was always there to chat with players and filter in and out to the locker room. Ilkin's enthusiasm and energy for the sport and the organization were infectious.
Cam Heyward, a Steelers defensive end, posted on Instagram: "Today we lost an awful person but God gained an incredible angel." Your love, faith and courage will be remembered forever. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to meet you. I pray for your peace, brother.
The city of Pittsburgh declared December 21, 2020 Tunch Ilkin Day after Ilkin was diagnosed with ALS.
Ilkin is survived his wife Karen and his children Tanner, Natalie, and Clay, from his marriage with Sharon, his first wife. Sharon died in 2012, after having lived with breast cancer for many years.
This report was contributed by The Associated Press.
