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Steelers Announce Heartbreaking News on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated Sep 17, 2025 2:42 PM ET

Sunday’s 31–17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks left the Pittsburgh Steelers with more questions than answers with its offense sputtering after an opening-week 34-32 win over the New York Jets.

Midweek brought a very different blow, however.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Steelers announced that 56-year-old contributing writer and editor Dale Lolley passed away after a battle with cancer and a recent struggle with pneumonia.

Bob Labriola, senior writer for Steelers.com, delivered the news in an official tribute, recalling Lolley’s "passion for writing about and talking about the Pittsburgh Steelers" and his dedication to connecting with fans across media platforms.

Lolley had kept followers updated on his pneumonia treatment via social media in August, thanking supporters for their well-wishes before his condition worsened.

We mourn the loss of Dale Lolley.

: https://t.co/Za0zTZzLxS pic.twitter.com/wjx4Hcw23C
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 17, 2025

After graduating from Pitt-Johnstown in 1991, Lolly began contributing at The Derrick and The Observer-Reporter before covering the Steelers for DK Pittsburgh Sports and Steelers Digest.

In 2014, he co-launched Steelers Nation Radio’s daily podcast with Matt Williamson, "SNR Drive with Dale & Matt," and led radio fill-ins on the Steelers Radio Network.

His move to the team’s official site in 2022 saw him at every major event, from the NFL combine to owners meetings, delivering in-depth coverage for a global fan base.

He is survived by his wife, Amy, and children Noah, Tanner and Madeline.

The Steelers (1–1) will try to right the ship Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on CBS when they face the New England Patriots (1–1) at Gillette Stadium.

The Patriots, after edging the Miami Dolphins 33-27, will lean on second-year quarterback Drake Maye’s 71% completion rate , seventh best in the NFL, while Steelers coach Mike Tomlin must find answers for his stagnant offense under veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Pittsburgh enters the game as 1.5-point favorites with a 44.5-point over/under, according to ESPN BET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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