Tunch Ilkin is someone that I am not very familiar with. His time on the Steelers was way before my time. So, I decided to write this article to educate myself, as well as others who may not know him.
Tunch Ilikin was drafted into the NFL by the Steelers in the 6th Round at pick 165. He was then on the Steelers from 1980-1992 where he ended up earning two Pro Bowl honors. He is also recognized on the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time team along with many other Steeler greats.
In his career, he ended up playing in 177 games and he ended up starting in 143 of them. When he ended up leaving the Steelers, he actually played for a season in Green Bay, and then eventually he retired from football for good. He ended up having a very respectable career.
However, his story was far from over. He ended up joining the Pittsburgh Steelers broadcast team in 1998. He teamed up with Myron Cope and Hillgrove where he assisted the broadcast crew as an analyst.
There's plenty more to learn about Tunch, however, I am not the person to ask about that, he had a great career and he will be forever remembered as a Pittsburgh Steeler. Both as a player and as a broadcaster.
We wish him well in fighting ALS. The main reason for his retirement is to spend time-fighting this disease. I think that's the best decision for him at this present point and it seems that Steeler Nation will stand firmly behind him in his battle. Good luck Tunch, we are behind you!