Pittsburgh, PA – September 15, 2025
The NFL community is mourning the loss of Craig Wolfley, an NFL legend and proud Dallas native, who passed away on September 10 at the age of 66. Known both for his grit on the offensive line and his passion behind the microphone, Wolfley leaves behind a legacy that spanned generations of fans.
Wolfley, drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round of the 1980 NFL Draft out of Syracuse, quickly became one of the toughest and most dependable linemen of his era. Over a decade with the Steelers, he played in 153 games, starting 104, before finishing his career with the Minnesota Vikings in 1991.
He embodied the physical and relentless identity of Steelers football in the 1980s, lining up at both guard and tackle with equal determination. Teammates admired his toughness, while opponents respected his fierce competitive spirit.
After retiring, Wolfley transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a staple of the Steelers Radio Network. Alongside his close friend and former teammate Tunch Ilkin, he co-hosted the popular “In the Locker Room with Tunch & Wolf”
radio show. His humor, honesty, and love for the game endeared him to fans. After Ilkin’s passing in 2021, Wolfley carried the torch as the team’s color commentator, his voice becoming a Sunday soundtrack for Steelers Nation.
Off the field, Wolfley was a true competitor, exploring powerlifting, boxing, sumo wrestling, and martial arts. His wide-ranging pursuits reflected the same relentless drive that made him a force in the NFL trenches. Fans also knew him as a man of faith, family, and deep loyalty to his roots as a Dallas native.
Steelers president Art Rooney II remembered him in a statement: “Craig was more than a Steeler — he was a legend of this game, someone who embodied toughness, loyalty, and the best of what football represents.”
Wolfley is survived by his wife, children, and his brother Ron Wolfley, also a former NFL player. For many, his presence both on the field and on the airwaves defined an era of football that will never be forgotten.
As tributes pour in from Pittsburgh to Dallas, one truth remains clear: Craig Wolfley’s name will forever be linked with the pride, passion, and spirit of the NFL.