PITTSBURGH – The previous offensive attack by the Pittsburgh Steelers and longtime broadcaster Tunch Ilkin were killed Saturday, the team confirmed. He was 63 years old.
Ilkin, who was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) in October 2020, was recently hospitalized with pneumonia.
He announced in June that he was retiring from his Steelers broadcasting duties to focus on his treatment.
Ilkin, who was a two-time Pro Bowl linebacker, was announced as a member of a 2021 class made up of four 2021 members to be inducted into the Steelers Hall of Fame later this year.
“We are heartbroken by the passing of Tunch Ilkin. He was a man of faith who dedicated his entire life to being a devout Christian and family member,” Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a statement. “His passion for the game of football was evident in his daily life. As a player, he struggled through difficult times to be cut and injured, but he continued to impact as a leader of our offensive line and became of the Pro Bols “.
Ilkin played for the Steelers in 1980-92 and later joined the team at the broadcast stand for 23 years as a color analyst.
“Today we lost an amazing man with the passing of Tunch Ilkin,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he tweeted. “Tunch was special, someone who impacted everyone he came in contact with, including myself. I loved his family, lived his faith and serving others was his passion. My prayers go to his family.”
A staple in Pittsburgh and the Steelers community, Ilkin, the first Turkish-born NFL player, was heavily involved in his church, The Bible Chapel, South Hills, and volunteered for the Light of Rescue mission. Life.
“After his career, Tunch continued to impact our community in many ways,” Rooney’s statement read. “His efforts and dedication to the Light of Life were unmatched, and his desire to always help others made everyone appreciate him.”
Ilkin was a fixed match at the team’s training facilities during the season, leaking in and out of the locker room to talk to the players. His energy and enthusiasm for organization and play were contagious.
“Today we lost a bunch of people, but God has won an incredible angel,” Cam Heyward posted on Instagram, the Steelers ’defensive end. “Your love, faith, frankness and strength will be remembered forever. I am fortunate to have spoken and known you. May you be at peace brother.”
Following Ilkin’s diagnosis of ELS, the city of Pittsburgh recognized December 21, 2020 as Tunch Ilkin Day.
Ilkin is survived by his wife, Karen, and children Tanner, Natalie, and Clay from his marriage to his first wife, Sharon, who died in 2012 after years of living with breast cancer.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.