The Pittsburgh Steelers lost a legend unfortunately when Craig Wolfley passed away at the age of 66 years old. Wolfley became a fan favorite during his 12 seasons playing in the NFL, admired not just for his toughness in the trenches, but for the heart and grit he brought to every snap. Drafted by Pittsburgh in the fifth round of the 1980 NFL Draft following a brilliant college career at Syracuse, Wolfley embodied the blue-collar identity that Steelers fans hold dear.
Emily Matthews / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Alex Highsmith (right) and Craig Wolfley (center) during a prayer for Tunch Ilkin (left) who was diagnosed with ALS. Wolfley and Ilkin were best friends and teammates.
Over the span of a decade in the Steel City, Wolfley started 104 games, first at left guard and later at left tackle, proving his versatility and reliability along the offensive line. He was never the flashiest player on the field, but he was dependable, physical, and selfless, traits that earned him deep respect in the locker room and lasting admiration from the fan base. His contributions helped define an era of Steelers football built on toughness and accountability.
After his playing days ended, Wolfley found a second calling in radio broadcasting, where his voice, filled with passion and authenticity, became instantly recognizable. He had a rare gift for connecting with fans, translating the game with humor, insight, and unmistakable love for football.
Many Steelers fans were stunned when Wolfley was not mentioned during the NFL Honors In Memoriam tribute for the 2025 season, a glaring omission that felt deeply personal. Steelers insider Gerry Dulac echoed that sentiment, calling out the NFL on social media for what he described as an awful and inexcusable mistake.
"To me, it’s just awful if not disgraceful the NFL did not include Steelers G Craig Wolfley on their In Memoriam tribute on NFL Honors show tonight," Dulac said.
When Wolfley passed away in March of 2025, Steelers Team President Art Rooney II released a statement about the sad news. He praised Wolfley’s dedication to the team and his lasting impact on the Steelers organization.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Craig Wolfley, a beloved member of the Pittsburgh Steelers family," Rooney said. "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."
Rooney highlighted Wolfley’s reputation as a hardworking, versatile player and a beloved teammate. He also expressed condolences to Wolfley’s family, friends, and the countless fans who admired him.
Steelers Fans Sound Off At The NFL
As expected, Steelers fans were outraged by the glaring mistake, taking to social media to voice their frustration and support Dulac’s criticism. Wolfley played in 159 NFL games, making him a significant figure in not just Steelers history but NFL annals, and it was shocking that he was completely omitted from the In Memoriam tribute.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Former NFL great offensive lineman Craig Wolfley gets set up to protect his QB during his playing days for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Fans shared memories of his toughness on the field and his charismatic broadcasting career, emphasizing how much he meant to the team and the community. The backlash highlighted the deep connection Wolfley had with the Steelers faithful and how unforgettable his legacy truly is.
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