By Ray Porter Jr. for Urban Media Today
The Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL World are mourning the passing of former Offensive lineman and Broadcaster Craig Wolfley who passed away Monday morning. He was 66 years old. His passing was first reported on WDVE in Pittsburgh, where he also did several Broadcasts. Wolfley had recently been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Craig Wolfley, a beloved member of the Pittsburgh Steelers family. Craig was an outstanding player who brought both toughness and heart to the field during his 10 seasons with the Steelers. As an offensive lineman, his grit and dedication were essential to our success, contributing to the solid foundation of the Steelers’ offensive line in the 1980s and 1990s. His work ethic and commitment to excellence were felt both in the locker room and on the field, and his leadership was always evident.
Following his retirement from playing, Craig seamlessly transitioned into a broadcaster, providing insightful commentary and analysis as part of the Steelers Radio Network. His passionate voice and deep understanding of the game made him a trusted figure for Steelers fans, and his humor, warmth, and enthusiasm left a lasting impact on our community.
“On behalf of the entire Steelers organization, we offer our deepest condolences to Craig’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him,” Steelers Team President Art Rooney II said in a statement.
Wolfley’s career with the Steelers began as a player when he was a 5th Round Draft Pick out of Syracuse in 1980. He played Offensive Tackle and Guard for the Steelers. He played his entire career with Hall of Fame head coach Chuck Noll, played on several playoff teams, including the 1984 team that upset then-undefeated (And eventual Super Bowl Champion) San Francisco. That Steelers team also upset the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round before falling to Dan Marino and Miami in the AFC Championship Game. The other notable playoff team was in 1989 as they rebounded from a 0-2 start to earn a Wild Card Spot, upsetting Warren Moon and the Houston Oilers, before falling to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round. He also formed a long-lasting bond with fellow Offensive Lineman Tunch Ilkin.
After leaving the Steelers in 1990, Wolfey finished his career with the Minnesota Vikings in 1991.He then returned to the Steelers first as a sideline reporter on the Steelers Radio Network and then took over as the color commentator in 2022. He and Ilkin paired up for the popular “In the Locker Room with Tunch and Wolf” show for several years until Ilkin passed away of ALS in 2021.
Wofley and Ilkin also made a huge impact on the Pittsburgh Community as they worked hard to raise money for Light of Life Rescue Mission.
Wolfley is survived by his wife Faith, his brother Ron, a former NFL running back, and six children.
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