Former NFL Star Passes Away At 66

Craig Wolfley, the Pittsburgh Steelers star guard who went on to become a beloved broadcaster for his former team, passed away on Monday, according to a statement by the team. He was 66.

Steelers owner Art Rooney announced the radio color analyst’s untimely passing, writing, “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.”

Rooney added: “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.”

Born May 19th, 1958, the Buffalo, New York native played for Syracuse before being picked up by the Steelers in the fifth round of the 1980 NFL Draft. He retired after 10 years with Pittsburgh and two with the Minnesota Vikings.

Wolfley remained a well-loved personality in Pittsburgh for years afterward. He joined fellow Steeler Max Starks to host a show on 970 ESPN providing color commentary for the team’s games. The two continued to work together afterwards, hosting “In the Locker Room with Wolf and Max,” a two-hour program on Fox Sports Pittsburgh, up until his death, according to the Daily Mail.

One of the former left guard’s most frequent and irreplaceable on-air mannerisms was comparing players and team strategies to some of his favorite foods.

After football, Wolfely went on to take up semiprofessional roles in weightlifting and boxing. He placed fifth in the 1981 World’s Strongest Man competition and, in 2022, lost a four-round wrestling match to Eric Esch, also known as Butterbean. He held a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu.

Wolfley is survived by his wife, Megan; two daughters, Hannah and Esther; and their three sons, Kyle, CJ, and Max.