I don’t know Tunch.
But I feel like I know Tunch.
If you’re from Pittsburgh you know exactly what I mean.
And you know exactly who I mean.
He’s just … Tunch.
He’s that well-known, that celebrated and distinguished that he can go by just that one name … Tunch. Oh, it helps you probably don’t know anyone else named Tunch, but that’s beside the point.
What a treasure and gem.
What a prince of a man who has done so much for others.
What a role model to those seeking someone to look up to.
What a philanthropist and humanitarian.
Did I mention that I don’t know Tunch?
If you’re from Pittsburgh you just know all this about Tunch Ilkin. It is ingrained and inborn, like hearing that voice and knowing precisely who it is blaring through your radio or on that television commercial.
Yep, that's Tunch.
You can’t help but to have learned all this about the man just by hearing about all the selfless things he’s done. He’s done more for others --- and continues to --- than most would do in five lifetimes.
You know how much he does for the Light of Life Rescue Mission. You know how deeply rooted in his faith he is. You know just how much time he’s dedicated to making the lives of all kinds of others that much better.
Tunch.
Here’s a great litmus test about anyone, really. But in this case apply it to Tunch Ilkin, the former Steeler --- try to find anyone who has something bad to say about the guy.
Anyone.
I challenge you.
And take as long as you want then get back to me.
Such a proposition could be cliché for many, but I firmly believe you could search the whole planet and not find anyone with so much as a negative syllable to say about Tunch.
Honestly. Think about it. Think hard. Who could he have rubbed the wrong way or made not like him? He might be one of the few in this entire universe without an enemy.
You know, that makes the news today more unfair; the news that Tunch, 63, is retiring after 23 seasons providing color commentary for the team he played for following a 14-year playing career. In short, this flat-out sucks.
It is just so darn cruel that a man this beloved will have to step away to concentrate on his fight with ALS just eight months after revealing he was locked in a tussle with the frightful infirmity.
Now what?
“I want to spend this time focusing on my treatment and fighting this disease,” Ilkin said through a statement the organization released Thursday morning. “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.”
I know one thing --- he will get those prayers. Lots of them. From just about everyone in Pittsburgh.
Because everyone knows Tunch, even if they don’t know Tunch. You know exactly what I mean when I say that.
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