The voice that chronicled the Pittsburgh Steelers for more than three decades, a voice of steadfast knowledge and unwavering professionalism, has tragically fallen silent. Dale Lolley, a legendary reporter and a fixture of the Pittsburgh sports media landscape, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 56, leaving behind a profound void in the community he so diligently served. His passing, announced by the Steelers, comes after a courageous and public battle with cancer.
For generations of Steelers fans, Lolley was more than just a byline; he was the narrator of their team’s story. Since beginning his coverage in 1993, he witnessed and documented a remarkable era of Steelers football. He was there for the rise of Bill Cowher’s “Blitzburgh” defense in the 90s, the drafting of a franchise-altering quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger, the glorious Super Bowl victories in 2005 and 2008, and the seamless transition to the sustained success of the Mike Tomlin era. He didn’t just report on legends like Jerome Bettis, Hines Ward, and Troy Polamalu; he documented their entire careers, providing the daily context and insight that brought their stories to life for millions of fans.
His passing at just 56, two months shy of his 57th birthday, feels particularly cruel. Last year, Lolley shared that he had been diagnosed with mouth cancer and had undergone surgery. He faced his diagnosis with the same grit and matter-of-fact determination that defined his reporting. As recently as August 9th, he posted on social media that he was recovering from an « extended stretch of pneumonia » and planned to return to his work soon. His fighting spirit made the news of his death all the more shocking and heartbreaking to his colleagues and followers.
The outpouring of love and respect in the wake of his passing paints a vivid picture of the man behind the reporting. He was universally admired not just for what he did, but for who he was.
“Dale was damn good at what he did,” wrote Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “A man with a wealth of knowledge who took time to offer advice to me.”
That willingness to mentor was a common theme, a testament to his character in a competitive industry. He was a veteran who lifted others up. His impact was felt deeply in the locker room as well, where he had earned the trust of the players he covered.
“Dale was always someone I enjoyed talking ball with,” wrote two-time Super Bowl champion Brett Keisel. “He LOVED the Steelers and covering the team. Always a Professional!”
Perhaps the most poignant tributes came from those who shared the press box with him week after week. Kevin Gorman of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review noted Lolley’s quiet strength, saying he “watched him fight cancer courageously” and that he “brought an athlete’s mentality to journalism.” It’s a perfect description for a reporter who approached his craft with toughness, preparation, and an old-school work ethic.
Chris Halicke, a colleague from DK Pittsburgh Sports, summed up the immense personal loss felt by many: “I’ve lost a truly great friend, but the world has also lost a truly great man. And I’m not only a better reporter because of Dale, but I’m a better person because of him, too.”
To make someone a better person is a legacy that transcends any story ever written.
Dale Lolley’s career took him through nearly every major Steelers media outlet, from Steelers Digest and the Steelers Radio Network to DK Pittsburgh Sports, before he finally joined the team’s official website in 2022. He was a constant, a familiar presence whose expertise was undeniable. In an age of hot takes and fleeting opinions, he was a bastion of credible, insightful reporting.
His loss leaves an irreplaceable hole. The press box will be quieter. The daily feed of Steelers news will feel emptier. For his wife, Amy, and their three children, the loss is immeasurable. For Steelers Nation, it is the loss of a trusted guide who shared in their team’s triumphs and defeats for over thirty years. Dale Lolley’s byline may be gone, but the standard he set, and the memory of the man he was, will endure.
