Tunch Ilkin Day in Pittsburgh: Former player and current broadcaster has ALS: A class act and great guy

Tunch Ilkin during his playing days: Getty Images


… battling same disease as Lou Gehrig



Sometimes we have to ask why the good guys are often chosen for a tough journey. 


That is the case with former Steelers tackle Tunch Ilkin who has been broadcasting the games on radio for the past 23 years. 


A native of Turkey, the only one from that country to play in the NFL, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease after the late New York Yankees hitter who was one of the first famous people to contract it back in the 1930s. 


From Islam to Christian pastor


Ilkin made the announcement from his church in Pittsburgh in early October,


n a video released by The Bible Chapel, a non-denominational church in Pittsburgh where Ilkin is the Pastor Men’s Ministry, Ilkin confirmed the diagnosis.


“I was diagnosed with ALS from UPMC Presby,” Ilkin said to Ron Moore, the Senior Pastor. “The doctor said go to Cleveland Clinic to confirm it. So, I have ALS.”


Even through the diagnosis, Ilkin says he’s going to fight it as best he can.


“I want to fight this thing,” he 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, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or also known as Lou Gerhig’s Disease, is “a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control,” according to the Mayo Clinic.


Ilkin was with the Steelers from 1980 until 1993 and was a two-time Pro Bowler in his time with Pittsburgh.


“Steelers Longtime Tackle And Current Broadcaster Tunch Ilkin 

Diagnosed With ALS,” KDKA-TV, October 9, 2020


The former tackle converted from Islam to Christianity and became associated with the Bible Chapel. He also helped the downtrodden in Pittsburgh, those who were hurt by disease, addiction, or homelessness. 


Hit with adversity in his life


His 13 years with the Steelers did not include a Super Bowl ring, just missing it by a year, but he was a good tackle. His wife and mother of their three children passed away from cancer in 2012, and he later remarried. 


He is only 63, and has teamed with Bill Hillgrove and Craig Wolfley on the Steeler radio broadcasts. 


I used to turn off the TV and listen to them as I watched the video on the screen. He was very insightful, and he would occasionally be critical of the Steelers if he felt that they underperformed. 


Tunch Ilkin Day


Monday was a Pittsburgh Steelers game day. It also was a day declared in honor of an individual who has been associated with the franchise for four decades.


Pittsburgh City Council president Theresa Kail-Smith presented an official city proclamation that deemed Monday as “Tunch Ilkin Day” in Pittsburgh.


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teamtunch62

Mount Washington

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December 21, 2020, is “Tunch Ilkin Day” in the City of Pittsburgh! City Council President, Theresa Kail-Smith presented Tunch with this proclamation stating “I was honored to present a proclamation to District 2 resident, Tunch Ilkin this week in the Mount. 


He does amazing work with Light of Life and decades of helping people without housing. He is also very active in his church and played football for the Steelers.”


In honor of this recognition, please consider donating to @lightoflife (give.lightoflife.org) to help the homeless. Thank you and God Bless You. 


Matthew 25:40 "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”


Chris Adams, " ‘Tunch Ilkin Day’ declared in Pittsburgh in honor of Steelers 

broadcaster, former player," Tribune-Review, December 21, 2020

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