Craig Wolfley’s death earlier this year left a void in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ radio booth. And with the 2025 season approaching, we now know how it will be filled, with iHeartMedia announcing on Tuesday that former offensive lineman Max Starks will serve as the team’s game day color commentator alongside play-by-play man Rob King.
“We’re thrilled to elevate Max Starks into the broadcast booth as the new color commentator for the Steelers Audio Network,” Market President for iHeartMedia Pittsburgh Bobbie Loesch said in statement. “Max brings a championship mindset, deep football knowledge, and an authentic connection with Steelers Nation. His transition from the sideline to the booth is a natural progression, and we’re confident that fans will love the insight and energy he brings to every broadcast. This is another exciting chapter in our longstanding partnership with the Steelers, delivering world-class game day coverage to Pittsburgh and beyond.”
Added Starks: “I am honored to move from the sidelines into the booth for our game day broadcasts. Thanks to Art Rooney II, the Steelers organization and iHeartMedia for the opportunity. There is a long and proud history that I look forward to continuing. I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for the men who preceded me, and I hope to bring the same level of excitement and insight that Steelers fans have come to expect from game day broadcasts.”
Starks’ promotion comes four months after Wolfley passed away at the age of 66. The former Steelers offensive guard had been the franchise’s game day radio analyst since 2022 following the passing of his longtime best friend and former teammate, Tunch Ilkin.
Like Wolfley and Ilkin, Starks is a former Steelers offensive lineman, having played offensive tackle for Pittsburgh from 2004-2012. The two-time Super Bowl champion has been a part of the Steelers Audio Network since 2021, having most recently served as its sideline reporter.
In addition to his new role on Sundays, Stark will co-host the daily in-season program In The Locker Room alongside King on Steelers Nation Radio and FOX Sports Pittsburgh (970AM). With Starks moving to the booth, Missi Matthews will continue her role as the team’s radio sideline reporter.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.