Former Steelers offensive tackle and current Steelers broadcaster Tunch Ilkin has announced he has ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
In a video posted by the Bible Chapel Church, Ilkin says he learned of the disease at UPMC and it was confirmed by doctors at Cleveland Clinic.
“You know I want to fight this thing . . . with the help of God, 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, then I’m jumping on my trampoline, my mini tramp for a half hour each day,” said Ilkin.
Ilkin, a devout Christian, says so far his arms and hands are tired in the early morning, but as the day progresses he says he gains more energy.
He is undergoing treatments as well as taking medication.
According to the Mayo Clinic, ALS “is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control.”
Ilkin, 63, says the thing that will help him the most is prayer.
Ilkin was selected in the sixth round of the 1980 NFL Draft and played 12 years for the Steelers.
He is also known for his work with Light of Life.