The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the death of owner and chairman Dan Rooney at age 84 on Thursday.
Hall of Fame Steelers owner Dan Rooney dies at age 84
Dan Rooney’s contributions to football and the NFL earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame in 2000.
Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Jackie Robinson Foundation
Rooney was the son of Art Rooney, the first owner of the team, and he eventually inherited the team, serving as its president from 1975 until 2002. His contributions to the sport of football and the NFL — which included the institution of the “Rooney Rule” and required minority candidates to be interviewed for coaching and executive positions — Rooney was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.
“Few men have contributed as much to the National Football League as Dan Rooney,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he was one of the finest men in the history of our game and it was a privilege to work alongside him for so many years. Dan’s dedication to the game, to the player and coaches, to his beloved Pittsburgh, and to Steelers everywhere was unparalleled.
“He was a role model and trusted colleague to commissioners since Bert Bell, countless NFL owners, and so many others in and out of the NFL. A voice of reason on a wide range of topics, including diversity and labor relations, Dan always had the league’s best interests at heart. For my part, Dan’s friendship and counsel were both inspiring and irreplaceable.”
In addition to his contributions to football, Rooney also served as the United States Ambassador to Ireland under President Barack Obama from 2009 until 2012.
“Dan Rooney was a great friend of mine, but more importantly, he was a great friend to the people of Pittsburgh, a model citizen, and someone who represented the United States with dignity and grace on the world stage,” Obama said in a statement. “I knew he’d do a wonderful job when I named him as our United States Ambassador to Ireland, but naturally, he surpassed my high expectations, and I know the people of Ireland think fondly of him today.
“And I know the people of Pittsburgh, who loved him not only for the Super Bowl championships he brought as the owner of the Steelers, but for his generosity of spirit, mourn his passing today. Michelle and I offer our condolences to the Rooney family, some of the most gracious and thoughtful people we know — even as we celebrate the life of Dan Rooney: a championship-caliber good man.”
The oldest of Rooney’s nine children, Art II, currently serves as the president of the Steelers, a position he took over in 2003.
See More:
