Steelers Broadcaster Diagnosed With ALS

PITTSBURGH, PA — Steelers broadcaster and former offensive tackle Tunch Ilkin has announced he has ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Ilkin, the Steelers radio color commentator, revealed he had the illness public in a video for The Bible Chapel, a non-denominational church where serves as a pastor. He initially was diagnosed at UPMC, and the illness later was confirmed at the Cleveland Clinic.

“I want to fight this thing,” Ilkin said. “I’m not going to lay down and take this lightly. I’m working out four days a week, I’m walking my prayer walk an hour every morning and I’m jumping on my mini-trampoline a half hour every day.”

ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. There is no cure. The affliction can cause people to lose the ability to speak, eat, move and breathe.

Ilkin played for the Steelers from 1980 until 1993 and was a two-time Pro Bowler.