Tag: Tunch Ilkin

Art Rooney II on passing of former Steelers OL Tunch Ilkin

Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II spoke about the passing of his friend, broadcaster and ex-Steeler Tunch Ilkin.

The Pittsburgh Steelers community and the Earth as a whole lost a great human being when Tunch Ilkin passed away Saturday at the age of 63.

Ilkin had been battling ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) since last fall. ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control.

Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II had this to say about the passing of the former Steelers offensive lineman:

“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.

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.

After his playing career, Tunch continued to make an impact in our community in so many ways. His efforts and dedication to the Light of Life was unparalleled, and his desire to always help others made everyone appreciate him.

He was loved by his family, teammates, and friends. We were fortunate to have Tunch as a player and broadcaster for so many years. Our condolences to his entire family during this difficult time.”

In June, Ilkin retired from his broadcasting career to focus on his health in what is now known as his final three months.

“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.”

After Ilkin stepped down from the broadcast booth this summer, Bob Labriola of Steelers.com went into detail about Ilkin’s fight with the disease and his memories with the Steelers.

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Former Pittsburgh Steelers star Tunch Ilkin dies at 63 after battle with ALS

ALS has claimed the life of former Steelers lineman Tunch Ilkin

The Pittsburgh Steelers and their fans are mourning the loss of one of the team’s stars as former offensive lineman Tunch Ilkin died after a battle with ALS.

Ilkin was 63 His death was first reported Saturday by KDKA.

He announced in October 2020 that he had been diagnosed with ALS — Lou Gehrig’s disease — but continued in his role for the 2020 season. His 23 years as a Pittsburgh broadcaster came to an end in June when he retired to focus on his battle.

Overall, Ilkin spent 37 years working in professional football, 14 as a player, followed by 23 as a broadcaster with the Steelers.

Born in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1957, Ilkin went on to become a sixth-round pick out of Indiana State. He was backup for three seasons before becoming a full-time starter at tackle in 1983 and started 141 games. He made the Pro Bowl twice as a Steeler in the 1980s.

He was the first Turk to play in the NFL.

He is part of the 2021 class into the team’s Hall of Honor, joined by fellow tackle Jon Kolb, defensive back Carnell Lake, and wide receiver Louis Lipps.

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Ben Roethlisberger opens up on how faith helped him conquer addictions, struggles

Ben Roethlisberger spoke at a virtual conference over the weekend, admitting to addictions and how faith carried him to a better place.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger spoke about his reality at a virtual conference for Christian men over the weekend. He was honest and open about having flaws and failings.

“It’s not always easy,” Roethlisberger said, talking to Tunch Ilkin, a former Steelers player and one of the ManUp event’s hosts. “People don’t realize all the time that us athletes, we’re human. We sin like everybody else. I am no different. We make mistakes. We get addicted to things. We sin. We’re human. I think sometimes we get put on this pedestal where we can’t make mistakes. I’ve fallen as short as anybody. I’ve been addicted to alcohol. I’ve been addicted to pornography, which makes me then not the best husband, not the best father, not the best Christian I can be.

“But you have to dedicate yourself and understand that you can get out of it because of the grace of God and him saying, ‘Listen, you’re good enough for me the way you are. You don’t have to be perfect.'”

An overview of the purpose of the conference:

Each year, Urban Impact teams up with Coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers, to present the ManUp Pittsburgh conference to over fifteen hundred men from the tri-state area. ManUp encourages and teaches men to be godly leaders for their families, and raises awareness of the devastating impact of fatherlessness among youth today. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, Urban Impact will this year present a condensed online program, featuring Ben Roethlisberger, Mike Tomlin, Clint Hurdle, and Ed Glover.

Roethlisberger had a run of incidents when he was a young player with the Steelers. They easily could have derailed and ruined what has turned out to be a dazzling career. Roethlisberger admitted to using his platform/fame in an ill-advised way.

“Last year, we went through a crazy offseason,” he said. “All I thought about was getting back on the football field, and I was like, ‘God, you’re going to give me all this redemption. I’m going to go out there, I’m going to prove everybody wrong, I’m going to win a Super Bowl, and we’re going to give you all the glory, and this is it. This is my comeback year.’ And the second game, I tear my elbow. That was God being like, ‘Hold on, it’s not your plan of coming back. It’s got to be my plan.’ So I had to pump the brakes.

“Those are the wake-up calls that he gives us to say, ‘Hold on now — don’t be selfish and do it on your time. We’re doing it on my time.'”

The big quarterback’s faith has helped him get through the injury.

“I’m so thankful that this injury happened during my walk that I’m in now,” her said. “I don’t know that I would’ve been able to handle it a few years ago, five, six, seven, 10 years ago. I know that my faith wouldn’t have been as strong. Now that I know what it’s about, it’s easy to say, ‘Hey, God, this is in your hands. I’m going to go train my butt off to get back out there, and whatever you have for me, I’m ready.'”