Craig Wolfley, a 12-year NFL veteran who turned to become a beloved radio broadcaster, passed away on Monday, March 10, at 66.
According to reports, former Steeler offensive lineman Craig Wolfley had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer, which ultimately led to his death.
Wolfley spent 12 years of his life with the NFL, playing 10 years with the Steelers and two years with the Vikings.
He began his NFL career with the Steelers in 1980. Although he retired from the NFL in 1991, he remained part of the Steelers as the network’s broadcast team.
Furthermore, he served as a sideline reporter for the Steelers until 2021 and also hosted a daily radio show with his Steelers teammate and longtime friend, the late Tunch Ilkin.
For years, Craig co-hosted a radio show with Max Starks on 970 AM Fox Sports Pittsburgh.
In addition to his football and broadcasting journey, Craig was known for his exceptional boxing skills.
He competed in weightlifting, boxing, sumo wrestling, and martial arts and placed fifth in the 1981 World’s Strongest Man competition.
Craig placed 22nd in the first professional Sumo contest held on the North American continent and founded the Power Punch program that taught professional and amateur football players and teams throughout the United States.
Although he has passed away, Craig Wolfley will be remembered for his remarkable athletic abilities and his role as a distinguished radio broadcaster.
The internet is filled with tributes for the late NFL star Craig Wolfley!
Following his passing, thousands are expressing condolences to Craig’s family and honoring the former NFL star.
Moreover, the Pittsburgh Steelers president, Art Rooney II, released a statement on Wolfley’s passing, expressing his sorrow and recalling Craig’s outstanding contribution to the Steelers as a player and broadcaster.
He wrote,
“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 season with the Steelers.”
Pittsburgh Steelers
Art Rooney II spoke about Craig’s exceptional broadcasting career, highlighting his insightful commentary and analysis as part of the Steelers Radio Network.
He also extended his deepest condolences to Craig’s family and friends on behalf of the entire Steelers organization.
Similarly, many fans and followers are paying tribute online to the late Craig Wolfley, remembering him as a sweet, kind, and genuine soul.
Merril Hoge, one of Craig’s friends and former teammate, took to his Facebook to write,
“Heartbroken over the passing of my dear friend and former teammate, Craig Wolfley.
Merril Hoge
Wolf was one of those rare, genuine, kind, and energetic people who lifted up everyone around him—not just in the best of times, but in the worst of times. That’s what made him so special.He was more than a teammate—he was a brother, a mentor, and a true friend. His impact, his laughter, and his unwavering spirit will never be forgotten.
Rest easy, Wolf. You will be deeply missed.”
Craig Wolfley is survived by his longtime wife Faith, his brother Ron, a former NFL running back, six children named Megan, Hannah, Esther, Kyl, CJ, and Max, sister-in-law Kathleen, grandchildren, and the whole Wolfley family.
Although his children and wife are not very active on social media, his daughter Megan Nicholson Wolfley’s account is filled with condolences from loved ones.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Craig Wolfley was preceded in death by his brother, Dale Wolfley, and father, Ronald Wolfley.
- He was born on May 19, 1958, in Buffalo, New York, to his father, Ronald Wolfley, and his mother, Esther Wolfley Randall.
- Craig held a black belt in freestyle Jiu Jitsu and had over 19 years of martial arts training.
- He was selected in 2000 as a member of the Steelers All-Century Team.
