Steelers chairman Dan Rooney has passed away at the age of 84, the team announced on Thursday afternoon. He leaves behind a resoundingly positive legacy as one of the NFL’s most beloved owners. 
Rooney was the son of Art Rooney, the founder of the franchise. As Judy Battista of NFL.com writes, Rooney’s entire life from birth centered around the Steelers. He worked as a ball boy for the team as a teenager, signed players to contracts as a college student, and even found his way to ticket and ad sales. Before ascending to the top, Rooney worked in every possible facet of the organization.
The Steelers hired Chuck Noll largely because of Rooney’s influence and he also pushed his football operations department to draft Ben Roethlisberger. In addition to revolutionizing the Steelers, he also had a profound effect on the league as a whole. The “Rooney Rule” ensures that black coaching candidates get a fair shake in the interviewing process and commissioners Pete Rozelle, Paul Tagliabue, and Roger Goodell all leaned on him for advice along the way.
We here at Pro Football Rumors extend our condolences to the Rooney family.
RIP. Big loss for the Steelers, NFL and city of Pittsburgh
I’m totally stunned. The classiest owner in all of the NFL just suddenly gone. Dan will definitely be missed.
Lol
Just at the fact that your “stunned” an 84 year old man died.. may he Rest In Peace
Just because you call yourself RockHard, don’t be a limp d*ck.
RIP Mr. Rooney
One of the best owners/presidents in all of sports. The steeler nation lost a icon. RIP
Rest in peace!! I guess we know who will win the super bowl now!!