R.I.P.: Chuck Wolfley, Former Steelers Player, Broadcaster

Craig Wolfley, a former NFL offensive lineman who played most of his 12-year career under Chuck Noll with the Pittsburgh Steelers and later became a beloved figure on the team's radio broadcasts, has passed away at the age of 66.

WDVE-FM in Pittsburgh, where Wolfley held various roles during Steelers broadcasts, most recently serving as a color commentator, confirmed his death. Wolfley had recently been diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer.

Chuck Wolfley

Drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round of the 1980 NFL Draft after a stellar career at Syracuse, Wolfley became a mainstay on the offensive line, starting 104 games over 10 seasons, primarily at left guard and left tackle. He concluded his playing career with two seasons in Minnesota in 1990 and 1991 before retiring.

Steelers president Art Rooney II commended Wolfley's "work ethic and commitment to excellence" on the field and his contributions as a broadcaster on the team's radio network. "His passionate voice and deep understanding of the game made him a trusted figure for Steelers fans," Rooney said in a statement. "And his humor, warmth, and enthusiasm left a lasting impact on our community."

Wolfley teamed up with his close friend and former teammate Tunch Ilkin for the popular radio show "In the Locker Room with Tunch and Wolf." Their effortless chemistry became a highlight of Steelers game broadcasts during their tenure together. Ilkin passed away from ALS in 2021.

Affectionately known as "Wolf," Wolfley transitioned from the sideline to the broadcast booth full-time, replacing Ilkin as the color analyst on the Steelers Radio Network. His hearty laugh and kind nature—he often replied "better than I deserve" when asked how he was doing by listeners—contrasted with his tough, physical playing style and remarkable strength. Wolfley finished fifth in the World's Strongest Man competition in 1981 and later owned a boxing club in the Pittsburgh suburbs.