Dan Rooney, Chairman of the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL passes away

[Commander Wallace]

Dan Rooney, patriarch of the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League has passed away at the age of 84. Those that knew Dan Rooney knew that Dan would run this championship team with the same class and integrity as his late father, Art Rooney, after Art Sr's passing. Then again, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Both Art, dubbed " the Chief " and his son Dan were the cool heads in the NFL that other owners looked to for guidance and would garner a reputation for resolving difficult issues like player contracts and collective bargaining, avoiding the rare player strikes.

Names like Mean Joe Green, Elsie Greenwood, Dwight White, Jack Lambert and Jack Ham, Mel Blount, Terry Bradshaw, Ben Rothlisberger, Hines ward, Lynn Swann, John Stallworth, Franco Harris, Jerome Bettis, Rod Woodson, Donnie Shell and so many other players in their history transformed a perennial loser into world champions. The Steelers have won 8 AFC championships and appeared in 8 Superbowls, winning 6 of them Under Dan and his family stewardship. Dan and Many of the Steeler players mentioned are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton Ohio. It's unusual for a non player to be enshrined but is a further testament to the high regard Dan Rooney garnered for his service to and furtherance of the NFL. Dan would humbly downplay his importance but point out the way he did things was a reflection of his deep seated Irish-Catholic roots.

Dan Rooney Impressed upon his players to be involved in community service and so many were. Dan and Art Insisted that their players conduct themselves with decorum and not bring shame to the Steelers or the NFL. Quarterback Charlie Batch who played for the Detroit Lions and later the Pittsburgh Steelers, is just one example of Exemplary character from a player. Charlie Batch played his High School Football in Pittsburgh.

Quote : Batch has also been recognized for his efforts with underprivileged urban youth. The Schramm-McCracken Prize was bestowed on Charlie Batch in 2002 by the Three Rivers District of the Loyal Order of Moose in large part for his creation and work at the Charlie Batch Urban Pumpkin Patch

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Batch

Dan Rooney wrote and instituted in the NFL what became known as the " Rooney Rule " The rule provides that all head coach vacancies must allow for minority candidates to interview for those positions. The Rooney family provided examples of stability and leadership, employing 3 coaches, Chuck Noll who coached from January 27,1969 to 1991. Pittsburgh and Crafton Native, Bill Cowher, coached from Jan 22, 1992- 2007 and current coach, Mike Tomlin who is a minority coach from 2007 to the present. That's 3 coaches in 48 years and counting and an example of incredible stability. Many former players credit the Rooney family for Inspiring them to even greater heights in their lives after football. Former players include lawyers and judges, Aerospace engineers who built their own companies, Financial firm owners and many other former players who are community leaders and success stories.

The Steeler Championship fortunes were built on the drive and character of their players like these mentioned, which Dan Rooney helped foster and nurture, Just as his father Art did. Many players have said and continue to say that the Integrity with which they have lived their lives are an extension of that nutured by the Rooney Family. This may well be his greatest legacy, the multitude of players he has known in his lifetime and treated like members of his own family, which they were. In an age of self indulgence and excesses by players, coaches and owners alike, Dan Rooney provided a refreshing View of life and people and their Importance. Dan Rooney could entertain heads of state like president Obama and groundskeepers or the man on the street and treat all of them with the same high degree of respect. Dan Rooney was an uncommon man with a common touch in every sense.


Ambassador Rooney






Dan Rooney rose from small time roots to the world stage, serving as American Ambassador to Ireland under President Barrack Obama. Dan Rooney served as Ambassador from July 3, 2009 until his resignation in 2012 for health reasons as much as missing his hometown and of course, the Steelers organization. Such was the respect Dan Rooney commanded from world leaders. Dan Rooney and his family also funded Irish Charities. Dan Rooney had visited every County in Ireland.


Quote: Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney Sr., along with Pittsburgh businessman Anthony J.F. O’Reilly, created The Ireland Fund, which later merged with the American Irish Foundation (AIF) to create the American Ireland Fund, the leading charitable organization benefiting Ireland. Rooney has been a driving force in the success the AIF has seen over the years, helping with the American Ireland Fund’s mission of promoting programs of peace and reconciliation, arts and culture, education and community development throughout Ireland.

“Ireland is doing very well,” said Rooney. “People now recognize that it’s better as far as bringing peace. Some of the young people still can’t find jobs, and that can create problems. We are not finished with the peace. Now peace and education are the two areas we really focus on.”

http://www.steelers.com/news/article...0-4753bbcc52ff



Rest In Peace Dan and thanks for the great football and leadership. May the love many had for you and your family continue to follow you.

[Jimbuna]

Looks a bit like Donald Sutherland.

RIP Sir