Former American football player and broadcaster Craig Wolfley has passed away at the age of 66. His death was confirmed by Pittsburgh’s WDVE-FM radio station, where he served as a color commentator. Wolfley had reportedly been battling an undisclosed form of cancer for some time.
A former college football player at Syracuse University, Wolfley was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round of the 1980 NFL Draft. He played 10 seasons for the team, appearing in 104 games as a left guard and left tackle. He later spent two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings before retiring in 1991.
Steelers president Art Rooney II paid tribute to Wolfley, highlighting his dedication to the game and his transition into a respected broadcaster. Rooney praised Wolfley’s passionate voice, deep understanding of football, and his ability to connect with the Steelers community.
Wolfley became a well-known voice in Pittsburgh, spending nearly two decades as a Steelers sideline reporter. He later stepped into the broadcast booth full-time, replacing his former teammate and close friend Tunch Ilkin, who passed away from ALS in 2021. Together, Wolfley and Ilkin co-hosted the popular radio show In the Locker Room with Tunch and Wolf, where their chemistry and insight made them beloved by fans.
Beyond football, Wolfley was known for his toughness and athleticism. He finished fifth in the 1981 World’s Strongest Man competition and later owned a boxing club in Pittsburgh. He was also deeply involved in community work, especially with the Light of Life Rescue Mission, where he helped the city’s homeless population.
Wolfley’s warmth and humor made him a cherished figure in Pittsburgh sports, and his signature response—“better than I deserve”—whenever asked how he was doing, will be fondly remembered. His passing leaves a void in Steelers Nation, but his legacy as a player, broadcaster, and community leader will endure.
