In sad news Thursday, Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney passed away at the age of 84. He was beloved by all who knew him and he will truly be missed.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 13, 2017
The NFL world mourns this loss while honoring Mr. Rooney, beginning with those within the Steelers organization.
Today we lost a great one! I wouldn't be a Steeler if it wasn't for Mr Rooney! We will miss you dearly! Love you DMR! — Ben pic.twitter.com/94jtHKKeFO
— BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) April 13, 2017
https://twitter.com/tpolamalu/status/852624858475356160
https://www.instagram.com/p/BS1up8jATTV/
Thank u Mr. Rooney! Your legacy will go on. Ive been blessed 2 have the opportunity 2 know & speak w/ u. Steelers would not b the same w/o u pic.twitter.com/1cppfRINhg
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) April 13, 2017
Rest In Peace Dan Rooney. Condolences to the Rooney family Mr. Rooney changed the game forever and was an advocate for many. #Steelers
— Ryan Harris (@RyanHarris_68) April 13, 2017
RIP Dan. My Mentor & friend. Thank you for your Guidance & Wisdom. I came a Young Coach & left a Better Man. Your spirit will live forever.
— Bill Cowher (@CowherCBS) April 13, 2017
A man whose sphere of influence extended far beyond the reaches of his own team, Mr. Rooney was on everyone’s mind Thursday.
Steve Bisciotti on the passing of Dan Rooney: "He was a giant in our industry." pic.twitter.com/C3O8twSu8F
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 13, 2017
Sending our condolences to the @Steelers organization and family on the loss of Dan Rooney. https://t.co/HGpDPeqSS7
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) April 13, 2017
https://twitter.com/SteelersKillerB/status/852618247581126656
.@nflcommish weighs in on the passing of #Steelers icon Dan Rooney. "One of the finest men in the history of our game." pic.twitter.com/RgerWi1LLH
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 13, 2017
Prayers to the Rooney family. Mr. Rooney always took time to welcome our crew and visit whenever in Pittsburgh for Steelers game. #gentleman
— Troy Aikman (@TroyAikman) April 13, 2017
My Obituary on Steelers Hall of Famer Dan Rooney https://t.co/BlhPV9punF via @PittsburghPG
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) April 13, 2017
I had the honor and privilege to work for two of the classiest men football has ever known. Mr Hunt and Mr Rooney God Bless & RIP Mr Rooney
— Bruce Arians (@BruceArians) April 13, 2017
Dan Rooney died today.
RIP to the man who tried to help ensure minorities were given equal opportunities in the NFLhttps://t.co/d6atchR77O— Andscape (@andscape) April 13, 2017
One of my all-time favorite #Steelers gifs and it features Dan Rooney and @Ike_SwagginU pic.twitter.com/j9QFzTCA0r
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) April 13, 2017
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
Our condolences to the entire @Steelers family on the loss of Dan Rooney.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 13, 2017
The football world all mourns the loss of Dan Rooney. Universally. A patriarch to the game and the league. A true legend
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 13, 2017
RIP, Dan Rooney. We thank you for everything you've done for the Steelers and the city of Pittsburgh. https://t.co/1eQcesXkoT pic.twitter.com/1lBUapfhNS
— WTAE-TV Pittsburgh (@WTAE) April 13, 2017
A look back at the life of Dan Rooney. https://t.co/eEOJweoxYX
— NFL (@NFL) April 13, 2017
Rooney had been involved with the Steelers organization since 1960 when he first worked as director of personnel. He inherited the team from his father, Art Rooney, in 1968.
He served as the team’s president from 1975-2003, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000, was the Chairman of the NFL’s Diversity Committee, was responsible in large part for the Rooney Rule and was the United States Ambassador to Ireland from 2009-12.
He will be greatly missed by the NFL and the Steelers community.