Former Steelers player and commentator Craig Wolfley dies at 66
For fans of Pittsburgh sports teams, it has been a rough 2025 for people who grew up listening to specific voices during games. Just last month fans of the Penguins heard of Mike Lange’s passing, and now Steelers fans feel the same pain with the news of the death of Craig Wolfley.
Wolfley was a player for the Steelers during the later years of the Chuck Noll era, and eventually took to the broadcast booth as a color commentator and analyst for the team. Wolfley’s untimely passing at the age of 66 has left the fan base, and organization, at an incredible loss.
Monday morning Steelers President Art Rooney II released the following statement after Wolfley’s passing:
Statement from Steelers President Art Rooney II on the passing of Craig Wolfley: pic.twitter.com/WSN3VhCofy
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) March 10, 2025
For those who may not be able to read the above statement, it reads as follows:
“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.”
As for Wolfley’s playing career, he spent 10 seasons with the Steelers as an offensive guard after being drafted by the black-and-gold in 1980 in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. He finished his playing career for the Minnesota Vikings in 1991.
There are some people in the industry who you never hear a negative word about, and Wolfley was one of those people. Wolfley was always a willing participant in podcasts, in articles and to anyone with a kind word when they saw him at a place like Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
The Steelers booth has seen an unfortunate turnover since the passing of Myron Cope in 2008. After Myron’s passing, the booth was made up of Bill Hillgrove, Tunch Ilkin and Wolfley. Ilkin passed away in 2021, Hillgrove retired prior to the 2024 season, and now Wolfley is gone.
All of us here at SCN send our condolences to the Wolfley family, as well as the Steelers organization and all who knew him.
I hate writing these stories. They truly suck.
I wanted to add that although Wolfley had a long career in the NFL, the above image of him blocking for Franco was the only image available attributed to him. I hate stealing photos, so I used what I had available.
In a way, I’m sure Wolfley would say that’s the way he wanted it. A picture of him paving the way for the legendary Franco.
RIP Wolf.
I had no idea that Wolfley’s and Harris’ careers overlapped for a few years.
Crazy…I just met wolf last summer at my first time at steelers training camp. Makes you realize how quickly it can all be taken away. Remember that every day is a blessing and try to live life to the best of your ability.
First Tunch, now Wolf. I like RK but I listened to the Steeler radio broadcasts to hear how Wolf describes the action. This stinks. Be at peace.
Oh my goodness! Prayers up for his family.
RIP WOLF, Gonna be missed. Condolences to the family.
Not that it matters but it’s been reported that Wolfley succumbed to an “undisclosed form of cancer”.
His tact as a broadcaster was refreshingly different than the run of the mill sideline stuff that we get fed. He’ll be missed.
I never even wat to speculate on cause of death unless the family makes it public. I saw the same thing though…
Same. As a person who lost a couple of family members to cancer, I think there’s value in reminding people how how insidious cancer is. A silver lining to losing icons to the disease is that it keeps cancer in everyone’s consciences.
I wasn’t old enough to really watch him play with any type of awareness of what I was seeing, so I only really know about him from his radio work. He was by far my favorite guy to listen to and he obviously touched the lives of a lot of people. Sad to see he’s gone, but I know he won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
Man the radio broadcast wasn’t the same for me after Tunch. Then Bill left. Now this.
He will be missed by a lot of people.
He was a great man of faith and a sincerely kind person. I was able to work with he and Tunch on various events and fundraisers that made a real difference in the lives of many. I am sad he is no longer here, but I am rejoicing that he has been welcomed home by his heavenly Father. His servant did well here.
Amen Vinny, Amen! He and Tunch are planning their first “In the Locker Room with Tunch & Wolf”…