Former Steelers great Tunch Ilkin dies at 63 following battle with ALS

Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Tunch Ilkin died Saturday following a battle with ALS and pneumonia, the team announced. He was 63. 

"We are heartbroken by the passing of Tunch Ilkin. He was a man of faith who dedicated his entire life to being a devout Christian and family man," Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a statement. "His passion for the game of football was evident in his everyday life. As a player, he fought his way through tough times of being cut and injured, but continued to make an impact as a leader of our offensive line and made two Pro Bowls."

Ilkin was diagnosed with ALS in October 2020 and retired from his Steelers broadcasting duties in June to focus on battling the disease. The two-time Pro Bowler played for the Steelers from 1980-92 and later rejoined the team as a color analyst for 23 years. 

Ilkin was announced as one of four members to be inducted into the Steelers' Hall of Honor later this year.

The native of Turkey was selected by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 1980 NFL Draft. He finished his career with the Green Bay Packers in 1993 before retiring.