Tunch Ilkin, Former Steelers Player, Broadcaster, Dead At 63

PITTSBURGH, PA — Tunch Ilkin, who spent nearly four decades in the NFL as an offensive lineman and then as a member of its broadcast team, died Saturday. He was 63.

Ilkin, 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. He announced his retirement from the broadcast booth in June to focus on battling his illness.

Ilkin's death first was reported by KDKA-TV.

Ilkin spent 14 years as a player and 23 as a Steelers broadcaster.

Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Ilkin was raised in the Chicago area after his parents emigrated to the United States. He played college football at Indiana State University and was selected in the sixth round of the NFL draft in 1980.

Ilkin played for the Steelers from 1980 to 1992 and then for the Green Bay Packers in 1993 before his retirement from football. He served as vice president of the NFL Players Association from 1989 to 1994.

He joined the Steelers radio broadcasters Bill Hillgrove and Myron Cope as an analyst in 1998, then became the team's color commentator when Cope retired following the 2004 season.

Funeral arrangements were not immediately announced.

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