History of Tunch Ilkin in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 26, 2024

"Tunch Ilkin, a Turkish-American, made history as the first Turk to play in the NFL. His successful football career included two Pro Bowl selections as an offensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers and a place on the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team. After retiring from playing, he became a respected television and radio analyst for the Steelers from 1998 to 2020."

September 23, 1957: Tunch Ilkin was born

On September 23, 1957, Tunch Ilkin was born in Istanbul, Turkey.

1975: Ilkin attends Indiana State University

Ilkin received an athletic scholarship and attended Indiana State University in 1975, where he played for coaches Tom Harp and Dick Jamieson.

1980: Drafted by the Steelers

A three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference pick, Ilkin was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 1980 NFL Draft.

1980: Ilkin's Steelers Career Begins

Tunch Ilkin's career as an offensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers began in 1980.

April 24, 1982: Ilkin marries Sharon Senefeld

Tunch Ilkin married Sharon Senefeld on April 24, 1982.

1988: First Pro Bowl Selection

Tunch Ilkin received his first Pro Bowl selection as an offensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

1989: Second Pro Bowl Selection

Tunch Ilkin was recognized for his exceptional performance as an offensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers with his second Pro Bowl selection.

1992: Ilkin's Time with the Steelers Ends

After 12 seasons with the team, Tunch Ilkin's time as an offensive tackle for the Steelers ended in 1992.

1993: Ilkin joins the Green Bay Packers

Ilkin played for the Green Bay Packers in 1993 before retiring from football.

1994: Ilkin's Tenure as VP of NFLPA ends

In 1994, Tunch Ilkin's term as vice president of the NFL Players' Association concluded.

1995: Ilkin joins NBC as game analyst

Following his retirement from playing, Ilkin began working as a commentator and reporter. In 1995, he served as a game analyst for NBC, partnering with Dan Hicks or Jim Donovan.

1998: Ilkin joins Steelers broadcasting team

In 1998, Ilkin joined the official Steelers broadcasting team alongside Myron Cope and Bill Hillgrove.

2004: Ilkin takes over color commentary

After Myron Cope retired, Ilkin assumed the color-commentary duties for the Steelers broadcasting team.

2006: "In The Locker Room" Expands Broadcast

After 2006, the radio show "In The Locker Room with Tunch and Wolf" began broadcasting daily during the football season on 970 ESPN in Pittsburgh and nationally on Steelers Nation Radio.

2007: Named to Steelers All-Time Team

In 2007, Tunch Ilkin received the honor of being named to the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team.

February 6, 2012: Sharon Ilkin passes away

After a long battle with cancer, Sharon Ilkin, Tunch Ilkin's wife, passed away on February 6, 2012.

November 2013: Ilkin visits Istanbul Cavaliers

While visiting Turkey in November 2013, Ilkin participated in activities with the Istanbul Cavaliers and expressed his interest in coaching an American football team in Turkey during an interview with the sports newspaper Fanatik.