Dale Lolley, who covered the Pittsburgh Steelers for more than three decades, passed away Wednesday following a long cancer battle.
Lolley was 56 years old and had served as a contributing writer/editor with Steelers.com since 2022. The team announced his death earlier today.
“During his time with the Steelers, Mr. Lolley did radio, made videos, helped birth and grow a podcast, even did a video version of that podcast. But in his soul, he was a writer,” Steelers.com’s Bob Labriola wrote. On deadline from a rickety high school press box, or from a Super Bowl Media Room where he had just done an exclusive interview with newly-elected Hall of Fame member Troy Polamalu, Dale Lolley was a writer. And he was good at it.”
After news of Lolley’s passing broke, tributes began pouring in from the journalism and Pittsburgh sports ecosystems.
We mourn the loss of Dale Lolley.
📝: https://t.co/Za0zTZzLxS pic.twitter.com/wjx4Hcw23C
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 17, 2025
‘Gone way too soon’
Steelers fans, media members and even some players have weighed in on social media with their memories of Lolley.
“Dale was damn good at what he did. A man with a wealth of knowledge who took time to offer advice to me and was fun to work with when we were partners. Gone way too soon. It’s a sad day. Praying for his family,” said Lolley’s former colleague Christopher Carter.
“Dale Lolley used to believe in me. Not only great at his job and always present, but as a friend would send things to me like this to show love,” added former Steelers offensive lineman Zach Banner. “He always showed support to the grind I put into the 412 for four years. My heart hurts, and I’m sending love to him and his family. The Burgh lost a great man!”
“Very sorry to hear this. Dale was a terrific reporter and loved the game of football. My prayers and condolences for his family,” one fan said.
“Oh my goodness this is shockingly sad. Prayers for his family and friends,” another fan chimed in.
“Growing up in Washington County, I read Dale’s work in the Observer-Reporter for many years before ever meeting him. Grateful I got to cross paths with him professionally,” said Amanda Godsey of the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat. “He was kind, and a very talented journalist and writer. Prayers to his family, friends & all who knew him.”
Local boy makes good
A Clarion County, Pa. native, Lolley graduated from North Clarion High School in 1986 and Pitt-Johnstown in 1991.
After getting his journalism career started in Oil City, Pa., he moved on to the The Observer-Reporter in Washington, Pa. and later DK Pittsburgh Sports.
Lolley also contributed to Steelers Digest, the team’s official publication, and did work for the Steelers Radio Network and Steelers Nation Radio during his career.
He is survived by his wife, Amy, and children Noah, Tanner, and Madeline.
