Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney dies at age of 84
Thursday 13 April 2017 22:17, UK
Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney passed away on Thursday at the age of 84.
Rooney, a former United States Ambassador to Ireland, took over the running of the team in the 1960s from his father, Art, who founded the franchise.
Under Rooney's leadership, the Steelers went on to win six Super Bowl titles, in 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 2005 and 2008. They are the most successful franchise in NFL history, ahead of the New England Patriots, the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers who have all won five titles.
"Few men have contributed as much to the National Football League as Dan Rooney," 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 players and coaches, to his beloved Pittsburgh, and to Steelers fans 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 labour relations, Dan always had the league's best interests at heart.
"For my part, Dan's friendship and counsel were both inspiring and irreplaceable. My heart goes out to Patricia, Art, and the entire Rooney family on the loss of this extraordinary man."
One of Rooney's most lasting accomplishments was the introduction of the Rooney Rule in 2003, which requires teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior football operation positions.
Rooney served as chairman of the league's diversity committee and was so influential in getting the rule introduced that is was named after him.
