Latest news with #Wolfley
Boston Globe
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Former NFL offensive lineman turned broadcaster Craig Wolfley dies at 66
Steelers president Art Rooney II praised Mr. Wolfley's 'work ethic and commitment to excellence' during his career and praised him for his commentary on the team's radio network. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'His passionate voice and deep understanding of the game made him a trusted figure for Steelers fans,' Rooney said in a statement. 'And his humor, warmth, and enthusiasm left a lasting impact on our community.' Advertisement Mr. Wolfley and good friend and former teammate Tunch Ilkin paired up for the popular 'In the Locker Room with Tunch and Wolf' show and the easy rapport between the two was a fixture of most Steeler game broadcasts during their time together. Known almost universally as 'Wolf,' Mr. Wolfley moved from the sideline to the booth full-time when he replaced Ilkin as the color analyst on the Steelers Radio Network. Mr. Wolfley's deep laugh and kind demeanor — he'd often respond 'better than I deserve' whenever he was asked how he was doing by a listener — belied his physical playing style and his uncommon strength. He placed fifth in the World's Strongest Man competition in 1981 and later owned a boxing club in the Pittsburgh suburbs. Mr. Wolfley is survived by his wife Faith, his brother Ron, a former NFL running back, and six children.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Craig Wolfley, longtime Steelers offensive lineman, radio broadcaster, dies at 66
Craig Wolfley, a former NFL offensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings, has died at the age of 66. He had recently been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer. Wolfley was drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round of the 1980 NFL draft out of Syracuse. He played 10 seasons in Pittsburgh before finishing his career with the Vikings, starting 104 games at left guard and left tackle. Following his 12-year NFL career, Wolfley entered broadcasting and worked as a sideline reporter for the Pittsburgh Steelers before moving into a color commentary role on WDVE-FM radio. "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," said Steelers president Art Rooney II in a statement. "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." Football wasn't Wolfley's only passion. He was also involved in the weight lifting and boxing worlds. He finished in fifth place in the 1981 World's Strongest Man competition and lost a four-round boxing match to Eric "Butterbean" Esch in 2002. Wolfley is survived by his wife Faith, his brother Ron, a former NFL running back, and six children.
New York Times
10-03-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Craig Wolfley, Steelers lineman and beloved color commentator, dies at 66
Craig Wolfley, a former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman who went on to become a beloved radio broadcaster, died Monday, the team announced. He was 66. A fifth-round draft pick out of Syracuse in 1980, the Buffalo native played 10 seasons with the Steelers under legendary coach Chuck Noll before finishing his career with the Minnesota Vikings. His impact in Pittsburgh — both on the football team and the community — far exceeded his modest draft position. Wolfley went on to play 129 games over 10 seasons for the Steelers, starting 102 of them. Advertisement 'We are deeply saddened by the passing of Craig Wolfley, a beloved member of the Pittsburgh Steelers family,' team president Art Rooney II wrote in a statement Monday. '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. '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.' Statement from Steelers President Art Rooney II on the passing of Craig Wolfley: — Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) March 10, 2025 Following his retirement from football, Wolfley joined the Steelers' radio booth, first as a sideline reporter and later as a color commentator. His affable nature and fun-loving personality made him a fan favorite. In person, he was as approachable and engaging as he seemed on the radio. While Wolfley was a hulking figure who competed in the World's Strongest Man competition and held a black belt in jiu-jitsu, he was also a caring individual and devout man of faith. In the Steelers cafeteria, it was common to see Wofley make the sign of the cross and say a silent prayer before each meal. Remembrances for Wolfey poured in from Steelers veterans Monday morning, including from Jerome Bettis and Cam Heyward. Deeply saddened by the loss of my friend and @steelers brother, Craig Wolfley. A true warrior on and off the field, his impact on the game and the people around him will never be forgotten. Rest in peace. — Jerome Bettis (@JeromeBettis36) March 10, 2025 'Wolf was one of my favorites!' Heyward posted on X. 'He was one of the first who welcomed me back to Pittsburgh. He took time to talk and get to know me. I was always appreciative how personal and open he was with players. I feel lucky to have known and spend time with him. Wolf we will miss you!'
Associated Press
10-03-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Former NFL offensive lineman turned broadcaster Craig Wolfley dies at 66
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Craig Wolfley, a former NFL offensive lineman who spent most of his 12-year career playing for Chuck Noll in Pittsburgh and later became a fixture on the Steelers radio broadcast team, has died. He was 66. WDVE-FM in Pittsburgh, where Wolfley worked in various roles during Steeler broadcasts, including most recently as a color commentator, confirmed Wolfley's death. Wolfley had recently been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer. The Steelers selected Wolfley in the fifth round of the 1980 draft following a standout career at Syracuse. He was a fixture at left guard and then left tackle during his decade in Pittsburgh, making 104 starts across 10 seasons. Wolfley played two more years in Minnesota in 1990 and 1991 before retiring. Steelers president Art Rooney II praised Wolfley's 'work ethic and commitment to excellence' during his career and praised him for his commentary on the team's radio network. 'His passionate voice and deep understanding of the game made him a trusted figure for Steelers fans,' Rooney said in a statement. 'And his humor, warmth, and enthusiasm left a lasting impact on our community.' Wolfley and good friend and former teammate Tunch Ilkin paired up for the popular 'In the Locker Room with Tunch and Wolf' show and the easy rapport between the two was a fixture of most Steeler game broadcasts during their time together. Ilkin died of ALS in 2021. Known almost universally as 'Wolf,' Wolfley moved from the sideline to the booth full-time when he replaced Ilkin as the color analyst on the Steelers Radio Network. Wolfley's deep laugh and kind demeanor — he'd often respond 'better than I deserve' whenever he was asked how he was doing by a listener — belied his physical playing style and his uncommon strength. He placed fifth in the World's Strongest Man competition in 1981 and later owned a boxing club in the Pittsburgh suburbs. Wolfley is survived by his wife Faith, his brother Ron, a former NFL running back, and six children. ___
