TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Tunch Ilkin, a former Indiana State offensive lineman, ISU Hall of Fame member and two-time NFL Pro Bowl selection, passed away on Saturday morning at age 63 following a battle with ALS.
 
At this time, funeral arrangements have not been announced.
 
"It is with heavy hearts that we heard the news of Tunch Ilkin passing away this morning following his battle with ALS," said ISU Director of Athletics Sherard Clinkscales. "Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers reach out to his family, friends, and former teammates during this difficult time."
 
ISU Head Football Coach Curt Mallory also had the following to say, "It's a sad day in Terre Haute as legendary Sycamore Hall of Famer Tunch Ilkin passed away today. He was beloved by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. His legacy will never be forgotten at Indiana State. Rest in Peace, Tunch."
 
Ilkin lined up with the Indiana State football team from 1975-79, before graduating in 1980 with a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism. Over his career with the Sycamores, Ilkin lined up in several positions on both the offensive and defensive lines, before finally settling in at center. He was a three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference honorable mention selection during his playing days.
 
From there, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth-round of the 1980 NFL Draft and went on to have a storied professional career featuring a pair of Pro Bowl selections following the 1989 and 1990 seasons. Over his 13-year career with the Steelers, he was a part of the Pittsburgh teams that played in five AFC Championship games.
 
Following his retirement after a season with the Green Bay Packers in 1992, Ilkin made the successful transition to the broadcast booth. He spent 23 years behind the microphone in the Steelers' radio booth before his retirement this past June to allow him to focus on his battle with ALS.
 
Ilkin was inducted into the Indiana State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998 and will be a part of the Pittsburgh Steelers' Ring of Honor Class of 2021. He was also named to the Steelers' All-Time Team.
 
Ilkin was recently recognized at the 2021 Indiana State home opener at Memorial Stadium on August 28 as he was honored with former ISU football player Ron Carpenter with Carpenter/Ilkin Football Endowment named after the two athletes to benefit the Sycamores football program.
 
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Sharon Senefield, who passed away after a bout with cancer in 2012. Ilkin is survived by his second wife, Karen Rafferty, and by his three children: Tanner, Natalie, and Clay.