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Tunch Ilkin

Tunch Ilkin (September 23, 1957 – September 4, 2021) was a Turkish-American professional American football offensive tackle who became the first Turkish-born player in the National Football League (NFL), spending the majority of his 13-season career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Ilkin emigrated to the United States with his family at the age of two and settled in the Chicago area, where he grew up and attended high school. He played college football at Indiana State University, earning recognition as a standout lineman before being selected by the Steelers in the sixth round (165th overall) of the 1980 NFL Draft. In the , Ilkin appeared in 177 games, starting 143, primarily at right tackle for the Steelers from 1980 to 1992, before finishing his playing career with the in 1993. He earned two selections in 1988 and 1989, was named to multiple teams during that period, and served as a team captain, contributing to the Steelers' offensive line under coaches and . Ilkin was also an active member of the , helping negotiate the league's and free agency system in the early 1990s. After retiring as a player, Ilkin transitioned into , serving as the color analyst for Steelers radio broadcasts for 23 seasons from 1998 until his retirement in June 2021, becoming a beloved voice for fans. He was inducted into the Steelers Hall of Honor in 2021 and remained involved in , including co-founding a meal program for underprivileged families in 1988 that continues to provide hundreds of meals annually. Ilkin publicly announced his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2020 and passed away from the disease at age 63.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Tunch Ilkin was born on September 23, 1957, in , , to Turkish parents Mehmet and Ayten Ilkin. When Ilkin was two years old, his family immigrated to the , settling in the area of . Raised in a Muslim , Ilkin was immersed in American culture from a young age.

High school and college athletics

Ilkin attended in , where his family's immigration from at a young age enabled access to U.S. educational opportunities, including participation in American sports. There, he distinguished himself as an offensive tackle on the football team, earning All-Conference and All-County honors for his performance. In 1975, Ilkin received an athletic scholarship to , where he joined the Sycamores football program. Over four seasons from 1975 to 1979, he played on both the offensive and defensive lines before settling into position, becoming a four-year letterwinner. During his collegiate career, Ilkin earned three-time honorable mention All-Missouri Valley Conference recognition in 1976, 1977, and 1978, highlighting his consistent contributions to the team's offensive line. His development at Indiana State laid the foundation for his professional aspirations, culminating in his graduation with a in in 1980.

American football career

College career

Ilkin enrolled at in 1975 on an and joined the Sycamores , where he played from 1975 to 1979. During his collegiate career, he competed in the at the NCAA Division I-AA level, starting on both the offensive and defensive lines before settling primarily as a . As a four-year letterman, Ilkin earned three-time honorable mention All- recognition in 1976, 1977, and 1978 for his performance on the offensive line. Ilkin was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998. In his senior year of 1979, Ilkin contributed to a successful 8-3 season for the Sycamores, who finished with a 3-2 conference record under head coach Dick Jamieson. Throughout his time at Indiana State, Ilkin balanced his athletic commitments with academics, majoring in and graduating with a in 1980. This achievement underscored his discipline, as he maintained eligibility and completed coursework alongside a demanding schedule.

Professional career

Ilkin was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round (165th overall) of the 1980 NFL Draft out of Indiana State University. He spent the first 13 seasons of his NFL career with the Steelers from 1980 to 1992, appearing in 176 regular-season games and making 143 starts primarily as an offensive tackle. During this period, Ilkin earned two Pro Bowl selections in 1988 and 1989 for his blocking prowess that supported the team's rushing attack. In recognition of his contributions, he was voted to the Steelers All-Time Team in 2007 as part of the franchise's 75th anniversary celebration. In 1993, Ilkin signed with the , where he appeared in one regular-season game before retiring from professional football at the end of the year. Over his 14-year career, Ilkin played in 177 regular-season games, started 143, and recorded four fumble recoveries. Additionally, from 1989 to 1994, he served as vice president of the , where he was actively involved in key labor negotiations, including those in 1982, 1987, and 1993 that introduced free agency and the system.

Post-retirement activities

Broadcasting career

Following his retirement from professional in 1993, Tunch Ilkin transitioned into , leveraging his extensive experience as an offensive to provide expert analysis. Ilkin entered the field in 1995 as a for NBC's coverage, where he was paired with play-by-play announcers such as Dan Hicks or Jim Donovan, offering insights during regular-season games. In 1998, he joined the as the lead color analyst, teaming up with play-by-play voice and analyst ; after Cope's retirement following the 2004 season, Ilkin assumed the primary analytical role alongside Hillgrove, a position he held through the 2020 season. During his tenure, Ilkin provided commentary for key Steelers postseason games, including their victories in in 2006 and in 2009. Ilkin also co-hosted the daily radio program In the Locker Room with Tunch and Wolf alongside former Steelers teammate and sideline reporter , airing on stations including WBGG and later Pittsburgh and Steelers Nation Radio, where the duo conducted player interviews and offered game analysis. His broadcasting style was characterized by detailed, film-based breakdowns, particularly of offensive line play, informed by his own 13-year career, blending precise technical insights with humor and an unabashed affinity for the Steelers.

Business interests and philanthropy

After retiring from professional , Tunch Ilkin took on a leadership role in the Athletic Training Network, serving as its senior vice president. In this position, he oversaw the development and distribution of athletic training programs and materials designed for coaches and players, drawing on his extensive experience to create educational videos and resources that enhanced performance and in sports. A significant portion of Ilkin's philanthropy centered on the Light of Life Rescue Mission in , where he volunteered for over 35 years, beginning in the by serving meals during events. He co-hosted the annual Tunch & Wolf Walk for the Homeless with former teammate , an event that started 19 years before his and grew to attract over 1,000 participants, raising millions toward the mission's goal of providing , meals, services, and programs for the homeless, impoverished, and , including women and children. Under his influence, the mission expanded facilities, including a 45,000-square-foot center for and support, and in 2020 alone distributed 377,000 meals while offering nightly to 155 individuals. Ilkin's hands-on leadership included leading studies, services, and direct , often praying with and mentoring residents to foster and . His commitment was honored posthumously through donations like a $20,000 contribution from the ' Fund in 2022, dedicated to perpetuating his legacy at the mission. The Tunch & Wolf Walk has continued annually after Ilkin's , with events held as recently as August 2025 in his honor to support the mission.

Personal life

Family and marriages

Tunch Ilkin married Sharon Senefeld on April 24, 1982, shortly after their time together at . The couple had three children: sons Tanner and Clay, and daughter Natalie. Sharon Ilkin passed away on February 6, 2012, at age 55, after a prolonged battle with . Following Sharon's death, Ilkin remarried Karen Rafferty in 2013. The family resided in the area, particularly Upper St. Clair, where Ilkin's children were raised amid his post-retirement pursuits in broadcasting and community work. His blended family provided steadfast support during these career transitions, helping maintain stability in . Ilkin's own , shaped by his parents' immigration from to the , emphasized resilience and close-knit bonds that extended to his immediate household.

Religion, heritage, and death

Ilkin was born in , , to Turkish parents and immigrated to the at the age of two, becoming the first Turkish-born player in the . Throughout his life, he expressed deep pride in his Turkish-American heritage, often highlighting his roots in interviews and considering a return to to coach as a way to promote the sport there. His visits to , documented in Steelers media, showcased his connection to Turkish culture, including explorations of local markets and landmarks. Raised in a Muslim family, Ilkin converted to in 1982 during his NFL career. This spiritual transformation profoundly influenced his later life, leading him to serve as the men's pastor at The Bible Chapel, a church in McMurray, , from 2005 until his death. In this role, he focused on faith-based community outreach and personal , integrating his religious convictions into public discussions of his challenges. In September 2020, Ilkin was privately diagnosed with (), publicly announcing it in October via a video message from The Bible Chapel, where he described initial symptoms including and . As the disease progressed, affecting his mobility and speech, he became an advocate for awareness, sharing updates through church and media channels while emphasizing faith and community support in coping with the illness. He continued Steelers games through the 2020 season but retired in June 2021 to prioritize treatment and family time amid worsening symptoms. Ilkin died on September 4, 2021, at age 63 from complications in , surrounded by his family, who provided steadfast support during his final months. Following his diagnosis, the City Council proclaimed December 21, 2020, as Tunch Ilkin Day to honor his contributions to the community and his ongoing fight against the disease. Upon his passing, the organization issued tributes describing him as a beloved figure whose impact extended far beyond the field, expressing profound heartbreak and gratitude for his legacy.

References

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