Longtime Steelers Broadcaster Tunch Ilkin Retires

Pittsburgh PA

03 June, 2021

12:25 PM

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PITTSBURGH, PA —After nearly four decades in the NFL - first as a Steelers offensive lineman, then as a member of its broadcast team, Tunch Ilkin announced his retirement Thursday to continue his battle against ALS. Ilkin 63, a two-time Pro Bowl tackle, announced in October 2020 he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. "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," Ilkin said in a statement. "I was diagnosed with ALS in September 2020, and I want to spend this time focusing on my treatment and fighting this disease. " It's unclear who will join ply-by-play announcer Bill Hillgrove and sideline reporter Craig Wolfley on the Steelers broadcast team next season.