Longtime Steelers broadcaster Tunch Ilkin has announced his retirement following his diagnoses of ALS last year.
"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 on 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."
The two-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman revealed last October that he had been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease, but continued to broadcast for the Steeler through the season.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that attacks the nervous system, weakening muscles and inhibits physical functions.
A man of deep faith, Ilkin says he will continue to fight ALS through treatments, keeping his body in shape and praying.
"We walk for an hour every Wednesday, and then we go to the statues at Point of View Park (on Mt. Washington), and we pray," said Ilkin.
Ilkin also says he “feels good” but wants to make sure he focuses himself on his ALS battle.
The longtime Steelers broadcaster and player also took time to recognize the people he shared the broadcast booth (Bill Hillgrove, Craig Wolfley, Missi Matthews and of course, Myron Cope.)
"I loved Myron," said Ilkin. "He taught me to not be so complex. He always said to me, 'Tunch, don't be so complicated when you're talking about football.' When the Steelers got to Super Bowl XL after the 2005 season, Myron had retired, and Bill called him before the game to chat. When I got on the phone I asked Myron, 'Do you have any advice?' He said, 'Don't say something stupid.'"
We wish Tunch nothing but the best in his retirement and we know he will continue to take on ALS head-on.
Read more on Ilkin's retirement on the Steelers website.