Craig Wolfley’s Absence from NFL Honors ‘In Memoriam’ Tribute Draws Backlash
The NFL Honors is typically a night of celebration-highlighting the league’s best performances, honoring legends, and taking a moment to remember those who’ve passed. But this year, one notable omission from the annual ‘In Memoriam’ segment has left many in the football community stunned and disappointed.
Craig Wolfley, a longtime Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman and beloved broadcaster, was not included in the tribute aired during the ceremony. And for many around the league-especially in Pittsburgh-that absence didn’t go unnoticed.
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette voiced what plenty of Steelers fans were already thinking, calling the omission “awful if not disgraceful.” TribLIVE’s Joe Rutter echoed the sentiment, amplifying the frustration that quickly spread across social media.
Wolfley passed away at age 66 after a private battle with cancer. His death hit the Steelers community hard-not just because of his contributions on the field, but because of the man he was off it.
A Buffalo native, Wolfley came to Pittsburgh in 1980 as a fifth-round pick out of Syracuse. He wasn’t the flashiest player, but he didn’t need to be.
He brought grit, physicality, and a contagious energy to the offensive line-qualities that made him a perfect fit for a Steelers franchise built on toughness and heart. Over 10 seasons in black and gold, Wolfley lined up at both guard and tackle, doing the dirty work in the trenches that rarely gets recognized but is absolutely essential to any offense.
He wrapped up his playing career with a two-year stint in Minnesota before retiring in 1991. But football never left Wolfley’s life.
Off the field, he was a true competitor and a man of many talents. He placed fifth in the 1981 World’s Strongest Man competition-yes, really-and dabbled in sumo wrestling, martial arts, and boxing. After his playing days, he ran the Wolfpack Boxing Club in Bridgeville, continuing to pour his energy into the Pittsburgh community.
In 2002, Wolfley returned to the Steelers in a different role-this time behind the mic. He joined the team’s radio broadcast crew, stepping into the shoes of his lifelong friend and former teammate Tunch Ilkin.
What followed was more than two decades of colorful, insightful commentary that made Steelers games on the radio a unique experience. Wolfley had a way of describing the game from a lineman’s point of view that brought fans right into the trenches with him.
His self-deprecating humor and deep love for the game made him a fan favorite all over again.
Steelers president Art Rooney II summed it up best in a statement following Wolfley’s passing:
“Craig was an outstanding player who brought both toughness and heart to the field during his 10 seasons with the Steelers. His grit and dedication were essential to our success... 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.”
That’s why the omission from the NFL Honors tribute stings so much. For those in Pittsburgh and beyond who knew Wolfley-or simply grew up listening to him-he wasn’t just another former player.
He was family. A true embodiment of what it means to be a Steeler.
The NFL Honors is a chance to reflect on the lives and legacies of those who shaped the league. And while the tribute included many deserving names, the absence of Craig Wolfley left a void that was felt deeply.
Wolfley’s legacy lives on in the memories he created, the broadcasts he brought to life, and the lives he touched-on the field, in the booth, and in the community he called home.