Dan Rooney, the chairman of the Pittsburgh Steelers and former U.S. ambassador to Ireland, has died today at the age of 84.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 13, 2017
Rooney served as president and chairman of the NFL franchise founded by his father. He became involved with the workings of the franchise as early as 1955, and was managing day-to-day operations by 1969. He was appointed chairman six years later. Under his tutelage, the Steelers were extremely successful, winning six Superbowls.
Rooney was also inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000, for his contributions to the sport, and is recognised as being hugely influential in the implementation of the Rooney Rule, which stipulates that franchises with head coach and general manager vacancies interview at least one minority candidate.
His impact on the NFL also included chairing the League's Expansion Committee in 1973, which led to the inclusion of Tampa Bay and Seattle in the league in 1976.
Rooney traces his roots to Newry, in County Down, and he served as the Irish Ambassador from 2009 to 2012, having been appointed by Barack Obama.
Tributes have flown forth this evening.
Upon finding out Pittsburgh's patriarch, Dan Rooney, has passed, one NFL exec texted what many thought: "Damn. He was a great human being."
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 13, 2017
A terribly sad day. Steelers chairman Dan Rooney, former US Ambr to Ireland & Pro Football HOFer has passed away at 84. Coverage now #WPXI
— Alby Oxenreiter (@albyox) April 13, 2017
Have known Dan Rooney since 1960. Instrumental in making necessary changes in league, both on/off field. NFL is better because of him.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 13, 2017
A statement from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell called Rooney "one of the finest men in the history of our game".
