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Ron Wolfley
Ron Wolfley
Ron Wolfley
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Ronald Paul Wolfley (born October 14, 1962) is an American former professional football player nicknamed Wolf. Born in Blasdell, NY a suburb just outside of the Buffalo. He was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for the St. Louis/Arizona Cardinals from 1985 through 1991. Wolfley was selected four times to the Pro Bowl as a special teams captain.

Key Information

Wolfley was a three-sport athlete at Orchard Park High School before transferring to Frontier High School his senior year. His play at running back earned him all-league honors,[1] nomination for the Connolly Cup in 1980,[2] and a roster spot on the South squad for the Kensington's Lion Club All-Star game, where he holds the records for the most carriers with 26 in the history of the event.[3] Later in life, Wolfley's sports accomplishments were commemorated when he was inducted in 2012 into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.[4] Wolfley was awarded a scholarship to play collegiately for the West Virginia Mountaineers.

Until early 2025, Wolfley co-hosted a midday sports talk show on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM in Phoenix, Arizona with Luke Lapinski, entitled Wolf and Luke.[5] Teamed with play-by-play announcer Dave Pasch, Wolfley was the color analyst on the Arizona Cardinals Radio Network from 2005 to 2024.[6]

Wolfley is the younger brother of former offensive lineman Craig Wolfley, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings.

College career

[edit]

Wolfley arrived at West Virginia in 1981. In his freshman year, he saw little action. He only rushed for 13 yards on the season.

As a sophomore in 1982, Wolfley started at fullback, blocking for starting running back Curlin Beck. He also rushed for 355 yards and two touchdowns of his own, good enough to be second on the team, behind Beck.

As a junior in 1983, Wolfley again started at fullback, blocking for running back Tom Gray. Wolfley had a career-high 485 yards rushing and four touchdowns on 122 carries.

In 1984, his final season as a Mountaineer, Wolfley assumed the role of starting running back, amassing 475 total yards and four touchdowns.

Professional career

[edit]

Wolfley was selected in the fourth round of the 1985 NFL draft by the St. Louis Cardinals.[7] During his seven seasons as a Cardinal (during which the team moved from St. Louis to Phoenix), he totaled 252 yards and two scores. Wolfley was known for his fearless special teams play that allowed him to compete in four straight Pro Bowls from 1986 through 1989.

In 1992, he joined the Cleveland Browns, where he played for two seasons. In 1995, he joined the St. Louis Rams for his final professional season.

Wolfley is the only player to have played in St. Louis for both the Cardinals and the Rams, earning him the self-proclaimed moniker "America's Fullback."

Personal life

[edit]

Wolfley's older brother, Craig Wolfley, played professional football as an offensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1980 to 1989 and the Minnesota Vikings in 1990 and 1991.[8] Craig died from cancer at age 66 in 2025.[9]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Ron Wolfley

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Ron Wolfley (born October 14, 1962) is an American former professional and sports broadcaster, renowned for his ten-season NFL career as a fullback and special teams gunner, primarily with the St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals, where he earned four consecutive selections from 1986 to 1989. After retiring in 1995, Wolfley transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a staple voice for the as their radio color analyst from 2005 to 2024, known for his energetic style and unique "Wolfleyisms." He continues to contribute to sports media as co-host of shows on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. A native of Blasdell, New York, Wolfley excelled at , where he played fullback for four seasons, rushing for 1,296 yards and 10 touchdowns on 340 carries while helping the Mountaineers compile a 35-13 record and appear in four bowl games, winning three, including the 1981 . Drafted in the fourth round (104th overall) by the St. Louis Cardinals in the , he spent his first three seasons with the Cardinals before the team relocated to Phoenix in 1988, where he played through 1991. Wolfley later joined the for two seasons (1992–1993) and briefly returned to the in 1995, appearing in 145 games over his career with modest offensive stats—86 rushes for 263 yards and two touchdowns, plus two receiving scores—but gaining acclaim for his fearless special teams play. In broadcasting, Wolfley partnered with play-by-play announcer Dave Pasch on the Arizona Cardinals Radio Network, covering regular-season games across Arizona and parts of Oklahoma, as well as national preseason telecasts on NFL Network and NFL+. His distinctive deep, gruff voice—shaped by a college injury—and vivid, humorous commentary, such as likening quarterback Kurt Warner's throws to "a Twinkie into a toaster," earned him praise from figures like Al Michaels and helped elevate the broadcasts during the Cardinals' Super Bowl XLIII appearance in 2009. Wolfley stepped down from the radio role after the 2024 season to prioritize family and faith, but remains active as co-host of The Wolf and Luke Show and Big Red Rage on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. In 2020, he was inducted into the West Virginia University Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his collegiate and professional contributions.

Early life and education

Childhood and high school

Ron Wolfley was born on October 14, 1962, in Blasdell, New York. He grew up in the nearby suburb of Orchard Park in a modest working-class family of five children, with two brothers and two sisters, residing in a 1,200-square-foot home close to what is now Highmark Stadium. His father, Ronald Wolfley, worked as a truck driver while battling , achieving three periods of remission over six years through experimental treatments at Roswell Park Memorial Institute before his death in the spring of 1982, during Ron's freshman year of college. Wolfley attended Orchard Park High School, where he emerged as a three-sport standout in football, wrestling, and , using athletics as an outlet to channel the aggression and emotional challenges stemming from his family's economic hardships and his father's prolonged illness. These experiences fostered a resilient, blue-collar work ethic that emphasized perseverance and physical toughness, shaping his approach to competitive sports from an early age. In his senior year, Wolfley transferred to High School in , where he excelled as a and lineman on the , delivering an outstanding performance that earned him all-league honors and helped lead the Falcons to regional success. His high school athletic foundation highlighted his versatility and determination, setting the stage for his recruitment to .

College career

Ron Wolfley enrolled at in 1981 and played as a fullback for the Mountaineers football team through the 1984 season. Under head coach , who had taken over the program in 1980, Wolfley helped establish the groundwork for a competitive era, contributing to the team's consistent postseason appearances and offensive balance as a reliable blocker and short-yardage runner. As a in 1981, Wolfley saw limited playing time in one game, rushing for 13 yards on two carries with no touchdowns. The Mountaineers finished 9–3 and defeated 26–6 in the . His role expanded during his sophomore year in 1982, when he carried the ball 96 times for 355 net yards and two touchdowns, aiding the Mountaineers in a 9-3 season that culminated in a appearance against Florida State, where they lost 12–31. In 1983, Wolfley's junior season, he became a key component of the offense, rushing 122 times for 486 yards and four touchdowns while helping WVU achieve another 9-3 record and a win in the Hall of Fame Classic over by a score of 20-16. As a senior captain in 1984, he led the team in rushing with 475 yards and four touchdowns on 127 carries, adding three receptions for 55 yards and one touchdown; that year, the Mountaineers finished 8-4 and secured a 31-14 victory against TCU in the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl. He also earned the Gridiron Gladiator Award for his toughness and leadership on the field. Over four seasons, Wolfley compiled 1,296 rushing yards on 340 carries with 10 touchdowns, placing him seventh all-time among fullbacks in rushing yards. His contributions were integral to WVU's streak of four consecutive bowl games spanning the 1981-1984 seasons, during which the program transitioned into a consistent bowl contender under Nehlen.

NFL playing career

St. Louis and Phoenix Cardinals

Ron Wolfley was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the fourth round, 104th overall, of the out of . He signed with the team shortly after and made the roster as a fullback, primarily contributing on special teams during his rookie season, where he recorded 13 kickoff returns for 234 yards. Over his seven seasons with the Cardinals (1985–1991), Wolfley appeared in 105 games, rushing for 252 yards on 82 carries with 2 touchdowns, while his value lay predominantly in special teams duties, including tackles and blocks that exemplified his hard-nosed style. The franchise relocated to Phoenix in 1988, and Wolfley transitioned seamlessly, continuing as a core special teams player amid the team's struggles in the . Wolfley's fearless approach on special teams earned him recognition as one of the league's top performers in that phase of the game, often playing as a gunner or protector on punt coverage units. He captained the Cardinals' special teams unit and was selected to four consecutive Pro Bowls from 1986 to 1989, a streak that highlighted his relentless motor and ability to deliver bone-jarring hits. Known by the nickname "" for his aggressive, predatory playstyle—sometimes likened to "Rambo" for helmet-cracking tackles—Wolfley became a fan favorite and locker room leader during an era when the Cardinals posted just one winning season (1984, pre-Wolfley). In key moments, such as during the season's strike-shortened schedule where the Cardinals pushed toward contention before fading, Wolfley's special teams efforts provided momentum through critical stops and coverage that prevented big returns by opponents. His contributions helped stabilize a franchise in transition, fostering a culture of toughness that endeared him to Phoenix fans after the move, solidifying his status as a hard-nosed leader in Cardinals history despite the team's overall mediocrity.

Cleveland Browns and later teams

After leaving the Cardinals as a free agent, Ron Wolfley signed with the in , where he served primarily as a reserve fullback and special teams contributor over two seasons. In , he appeared in 15 games without a start, recording 1 rushing attempt for 2 yards and 2 receptions for 8 yards with 1 , while focusing on blocking for the running game and coverage units. The following year, Wolfley played all 16 games with 5 starts, adding 5 receptions for 25 yards and another receiving , but his rushing role remained minimal with no carries, emphasizing his veteran presence on special teams. Wolfley was released by in May 1994 and did not play that season. He returned to the in 1995 by signing with the in July, appearing in 9 games without a start and managing just 3 rushing attempts for 9 yards in a diminished role due to his age of 33. This stint made him the only player in history to appear for both the St. Louis Cardinals and franchises. Across his post-Cardinals career with and , Wolfley played in 40 games, accumulating 4 rushing attempts for 11 yards, 7 receptions for 33 yards, and 2 receiving touchdowns, with his contributions centered on special teams rather than offensive production—a shift from his special teams benchmarks earlier in his career. He retired from professional football after the 1995 season.

Broadcasting career

Arizona Cardinals radio analyst

Following his retirement from the NFL in 1995, Ron Wolfley transitioned to broadcasting and joined the Arizona Cardinals Radio Network in 2005 as the color analyst, partnering with play-by-play announcer Dave Pasch. His prior tenure as a fullback for the Cardinals from 1985 to 1991 provided a strong foundation for his insightful commentary on team strategies and player performances. Over his 20-season tenure from 2005 to 2024, Wolfley covered hundreds of regular-season and playoff games, delivering energetic broadcasts characterized by his deep, gruff voice and vivid football analogies that resonated with listeners. Known for his "Wolfleyisms"—signature phrases like " can throw a into a " or metaphors evoking raw intensity—Wolfley's style blended humor, passion, and deep game knowledge to engage fans and enhance the listening experience. His enthusiastic delivery during high-stakes moments, such as the Cardinals' 2008–2009 playoff run culminating in , captured the excitement of the team's first appearance in over three decades, including memorable calls from the NFC Championship and the big game itself. Wolfley's contributions helped foster a loyal radio audience for Cardinals games, with his authentic, player-perspective insights and fan-friendly approach making broadcasts a staple for supporters across . On February 28, 2025, he announced his decision to step down after the 2024 season, citing a desire to prioritize family time and focus on his ongoing role co-hosting the Wolf & Luke Show, while expressing gratitude for the opportunity to chronicle the team's journey. He was replaced by former Cardinals center for the 2025 season.

Other media roles

Ron Wolfley co-hosted The Wolf and Luke Show on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM alongside Luke Lapinski from the program's inception in the early 2010s until at least late 2025, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and covering NFL analysis, Arizona Cardinals updates, and occasional pop culture discussions. The show leveraged Wolfley's playing experience to provide insider perspectives on football strategy and team dynamics, evolving into a staple for local sports fans. Following his NFL retirement, Wolfley began his media career in the 1990s as a color analyst for Arizona Rattlers indoor football broadcasts, an early step that honed his on-air skills under play-by-play announcer Paul LaCava. This role marked a successful transition from player to broadcaster, allowing him to apply his special teams expertise to a fast-paced league while building confidence in live commentary. Beyond radio, Wolfley appeared as a for Arizona Cardinals preseason television games alongside , with broadcasts airing locally on Arizona's Family and nationally on through the 2024 season. He also made guest spots on national NFL programs, including on , where he discussed Cardinals strategies and league trends drawing from his career. Additionally, Wolfley featured as a guest on podcasts such as Amazing Arizonans in 2024, sharing insights on football and personal growth. Wolfley's media presence expanded through , where he engaged fans via the official Wolf and Luke Instagram account and his personal X (formerly ) handle @wolf987FM, posting commentary on games and interacting with followers on Cardinals topics into 2025. His transition from player to media personality succeeded through a distinctive, energetic style influenced by extensive reading, though it required overcoming initial adjustments to broadcasting's demands after years of physical play. In early 2025, following two decades as Cardinals radio analyst, Wolfley stepped down from game-day duties to focus on family while continuing non-game media roles like The Wolf and Luke Show.

Personal life and legacy

Family

Ron Wolfley was born on October 14, 1962, as the son of a in a working-class family in . He grew up with siblings, including older brothers , an offensive lineman who played for the from 1980 to 1989 and the Minnesota Vikings from 1990 to 1991, and Dale Wolfley, a former offensive lineman. This blue-collar upbringing instilled a strong family-oriented perspective that emphasized resilience and close-knit bonds. Wolfley is married to Stephanie Wolfley, whom he affectionately refers to as "The Warrior Queen." The couple has two children, Savannah and Vedder. Following his NFL retirement in 1995, the family settled in , where they have resided since, allowing for a stable home base after the frequent relocations necessitated by Wolfley's professional football career, which took the family from to , Phoenix, , and back to . The Wolfley family has faced significant personal challenges, including the deaths of his brothers Dale in October 2023 at age 56 and Craig in March 2025 at age 66 after a battle with cancer. These losses deepened the family's emphasis on mutual support, with Wolfley publicly expressing gratitude for his remaining loved ones amid grief. Balancing his long broadcasting career with family life presented ongoing challenges, culminating in his decision in February 2025 to step away from his role as radio analyst to prioritize family and faith, including time with his children during their high school years. Wolfley's commitment to extends to community involvement, particularly in youth development programs that reflect his own upbringing's focus on guidance and opportunity. He served as head football coach at Phoenix College, mentoring young athletes, and is a board member of the MVP Foundation, which supports at-risk boys through life-skills programs inspired by professional sports figures.

Awards and honors

Ron Wolfley earned four selections as a special teams player from 1986 to 1989 during his tenure with the /Phoenix Cardinals, highlighting his reputation as one of the NFL's top coverage specialists. These honors, voted by players, coaches, and media, underscored his fearless play and leadership on special teams units. In recognition of his collegiate contributions, Wolfley was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in 2020, celebrating his role as a standout fullback for the Mountaineers from 1981 to 1984. Earlier, in 2012, he received local honors through induction into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, acknowledging his high school achievements at Frontier Central High School and his roots in the Buffalo area. Wolfley's broadcasting career with the , spanning 20 seasons as radio color analyst from 2005 to 2024, earned him widespread fan appreciation for his energetic and insightful commentary, culminating in a heartfelt team tribute upon his 2025 retirement announcement. His distinctive voice and style bridged generations of fans, as noted in media profiles praising his authentic football passion. Wolfley's legacy endures as a special teams pioneer, earning placement on Rick Gosselin's all-time special teams first team for his coverage prowess and toughness, qualities lauded by coaches like . Who rose through grit, he inspires underdogs in football, while his seamless transition from field to booth exemplifies a rare bridge between eras of the sport.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WolfRo00.htm
  2. https://arizonasports.com/nfl/arizona-cardinals/ron-wolfley-named-to-west-virginia-university-sports-hall-of-fame/2380472/
  3. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32924531/ron-wolfley-voice-arizona-cardinals-just-sounds-football
  4. https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/ron-wolfley-arizona-cardinals-broadcaster-nfl-preseason-games/avbawozyrvt6rzkh2tau424x
  5. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/ron-wolfley-booming-voice-arizona-232856078.html
  6. https://www.buffalosportshallfame.com/ron-wolfley/
  7. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/schools/high_schools.cgi?id=93c0f251
  8. http://www.wvustats.com/sport/football/player/2206
  9. https://wvusports.com/honors/wvu-sports-hall-of-fame/ron-wolfley/208
  10. https://wvusports.com/sports/2020/8/27/bowl-games
  11. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WolfRo00/gamelog/1985
  12. https://www.azcardinals.com/news/special-cardinals-on-all-time-special-teams
  13. https://www.profootballarchives.com/players/w/wolf02000.html
  14. https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/best-reads/2016/01/22/heres-why-wolfley-talks-way-during-cardinals-games/79121270/
  15. http://www.profootballarchives.com/players/w/wolf02000.html
  16. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WolfRo00/gamelog/1992
  17. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WolfRo00/gamelog/1993
  18. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1994/05_transactions.htm
  19. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1995/07_transactions.htm
  20. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WolfRo00/gamelog/1995
  21. https://www.azcardinals.com/news/2006-wolfleyisms-part-one-669574
  22. https://www.azcardinals.com/news/ron-wolfley-stepping-down-as-cardinals-game-day-analyst-2025
  23. https://arizonasports.com/nfl/arizona-cardinals/ron-wolfley/3575428/
  24. https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2025/03/31/arizona-cardinals-candidates-ron-wolfley-replacement/82736246007/
  25. https://cardswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2025/07/28/arizona-cardinals-announce-replacement-for-ron-wolfley-as-radio-analyst/85416206007/
  26. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wolf-luke-show/id730654880
  27. https://arizonasports.com/ron-wolfley-and-luke-lapinski-bios/
  28. https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/media/2025/02/28/ron-wolfley-leaves-cardinals/80876229007/
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTNDHXvdI3Q
  30. https://www.azcardinals.com/video/ron-wolfley-on-nfl-total-access-689541
  31. https://ktar.com/arizona-news/ron-wolfley-joins-amazing-arizonans-podcast/5568196/
  32. https://www.instagram.com/wolfandluke/?hl=en
  33. https://x.com/wolf987FM
  34. https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-all-in-the-family-for-wolfley-brothers-cardinals
  35. https://wvusports.com/news/2023/10/9/blog-popular-former-wvu-player-broadcaster-dale-wolfley-dies.aspx
  36. https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/03/10/craig-wolfley-brother-arizona-cardinals-star-ron-wolfley-dies/82235671007/
  37. https://arizonasports.com/nfl/arizona-cardinals/aq-shipley/3591375/
  38. https://www.arizonasportsfans.com/forum/threads/former-cardinal-pro-bowler-lands-coaching-gig.21464/post-241773
  39. https://www.linkedin.com/company/mvpfoundation
  40. https://www.azcardinals.com/news/arizona-cardinals-awards-for-2024
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