Tunch Ilkin, Steeler's Radio Voice, Retires To Focus On ALS

Tunch Ilkin

Longtime Pittsburgh Steelers radio analyst Tunch Ilkin is retiring to focus on dealing with his ALS.

Ilkin, who played 14 years on the offensive line for the Steelers from 1980-1993 and spent the last 23 as a broadcaster for the team, announced his decision Thursday.

The 63-year-old Ilkin, a two-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman during his playing career, revealed his ALS diagnosis last fall but continued to work through the remainder of the 2020 season. ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is 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," said Ilkin in a statement posted at steelers.com. "I was diagnosed with ALS in September 2020, and I want to spend this time focusing on my treatment and fighting this disease. I would like to thank Steelers President Art Rooney II, the Steelers organization, and the fans for their continued support and prayers at this time."

Ask Ilkin how he's feeling, and his answer is a definitive, "I feel good," and it's apparent he's not blowing smoke. Among the listed symptoms of ALS are muscle weakness and problems with coordination, but neither of those are evident when you're in his presence. His handshake is firm, he walks with a purpose and at a pace that can be challenging to match. As they say in the football business, he passes the eye test.