Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney had a lasting impact on the lives of so many, and earned the respect of everyone who met him.
The memories, the stories, are endless. From Ike Taylor sharing stories of him napping on Mr. Rooney's couch, to Kordell Stewart giving him ties from his own closet, to Rocky Bleier owing him so much for being 'in his corner.'
Many shared what made Dan Rooney special.
**
Bill Cowher, former head coach:**
"He was a mentor. He was a friend. He was just a nurturing person. He was one of those guys who was more worried about you developing as a person than anything to do with football. He used to always say, 'Just do the right thing.' I came there as a young coach and I left there a better man. He had tremendous wisdom and guidance and he had a way of keeping things in proper perspective. He never got too high, he never got too low. He set the bar.
"We lost a man with great humility. If there's anything we need more in our world today…it's humility. This is a guy who when he spoke, everyone listened. When he talked, he had thoughts and ideas and people took it and ran with it. He moved back into the North Side. He never forgot his roots. That was the message he left with everybody. Just never forget where you came from and be thankful for what you have, and give back when you can. Those are the things that resonated and were the very fiber of what he was about."
Ike Taylor, former cornerback:
"I called him Pops for a reason. I looked at Mr. Rooney as a father-figure. He displayed without talking. You have a Hall of Fame owner who understood players. When you look at his history, growing up with the players, his dad having him around the players at training camp, going on trips, the players helping him do his homework, you see why he is a player's owner. You see why guys appreciate Papa Rooney. You see why guys have respect for him. It wasn't about money, the owner or the title. It was about him understating the players and people in general. Everything from Papa Rooney was genuine and authentic. It's hard to find that from anyone in general, let alone a guy that high on status.
"If Mother Teresa and Ghandi had a kid, it would be Mr. Rooney."
**
A photo gallery of images spanning the life and career of Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney.
A portrait of Dan Rooney.
A portrait of Dan Rooney during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 14th, 2003.
A portrait of Art Rooney II and Dan Rooney.
Dan Rooney hugs Jerome Bettis after a Division Round win against the New York Jets January, 15 2005.
Dan Rooney and Art Rooney II sit down to talk with newly drafted QB Ben Roethlisberger after he first arrived to the Steelers facilities in 2004.
Dan Rooney shakes hands with the 2004 1st Round Draft pick Ben Roethlisberger at a press conference presenting him his jersey.
A portrait of Dan Rooney during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on December 24th, 2005.
A portrait of Dan Rooney during a game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on September 18th, 2005.
Dan Rooney shakes hands with CB Ike Taylor during the 2005 Training Camp at Saint Vincent College.
Dan Rooney talks with Commissioner Roger Goodell during the 2006 home opener against the Miami Dolphins.
Dan Rooney talks with RB Merril Hoge.
Dan Rooney poses for a photo with Jerome Bettis during the Super Bowl XL ring ceremony at Heinz Field.
Dan Rooney poses for a photo with his wife Patricia and son Art Rooney II during the Super Bowl XL ring ceremony at Heinz Field.
Dan Rooney poses for a photo with General Manager Kevin Colbert during the Super Bowl XL ring ceremony at Heinz Field.
Dan Rooney shakes hands with President George W. Bush during the team's visit to the White House after winning Super Bowl XL.
Dan Rooney along with James Rohr present Cardinal Wuerl with the American Ireland Fund honor.
A portrait of Dan Rooney.
Dan Rooney speaks with Head Coach Mike Tomlin on the practice field during the 2007 Rookie Mini-Camp.
Dan Rooney talks with NT Casey Hampton during the 2007 Training Camp at Saint Vincent College.
Dan Rooney talks with General Manager Kevin Colbert and Head Coach Mike Tomlin during a 2007 Training Camp at Saint Vincent College.
Dan Rooney and Art Rooney II pose for a photo with Mike and Kiya Tomlin after signing Mike Tomlin to the Steelers as Head Coach.
Dan Rooney shows Head Coach Mike Tomlin some historical photographs after signing him to the Head Coaching position.
Dan Rooney talks with Head Coach Mike Tomlin and General Manager Kevin Colbert at FedEx Field prior to a preseason game against the Redskins.
Art Rooney II, Head Coach Bill Cowher, General Manager Kevin Colbert and Dan Rooney on a practice field at Training Camp.
Dan Rooney along with David Morehouse present Sidney Crosby with the American Ireland Fund honor.
Dan Rooney watches as QB Ben Roethlisberger raises the Lombardi trophy after winning Super Bowl XLIII.
Dan Rooney stands with President George W. Bush during the Steelers White House visit after winning Super Bowl XL.
Dan Rooney talks with James Harrison, James Farrior and Larry Foote.
A portrait of Dan Rooney on the field prior to Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium on February 1st, 2009.
A portrait of Dan Rooney as he walks onto the field prior to Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium on February 1st, 2009.
Dan Rooney poses for a photo with Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes during the Steelers parade through downtown Pittsburgh after the Super Bowl XLIII win.
Dan Rooney poses for a photo with Art Rooney II, Head Coach Mike Tomlin and General Manager Kevin Colbert after winning Super Bowl XLIII.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin puts his arm around Dan Rooney on the podium after winning Super Bowl XLIII.
Dan Rooney shakes hands with Head Coach Mike Tomlin in the Steelers locker room after a Divisional Round win against the San Diego Chargers January 11, 2009.
Lynn Swann, Jack Ham, Franco Harris, Joe Greene, Dan Rooney, Jack Lambert, Mel Blount and Dermontti Dawson.
Dan Rooney and his wife Patricia are photographed with President Jimmy Carter during the Steelers visit to the White House.
The Chief and Dan Rooney.
Dan Rooney, Chuck Noll and Art Rooney each hold a Lombardi trophy in 1979.
Dan Rooney speaks with Joe Greene in his office.
A young Dan Rooney appears in the front row of the 1940 team photo.
A news clipping shows a young Dan Rooney carrying a tackling dummy at Training Camp 1946.
A portrait of Dan Rooney on the field prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys on December 16th, 2012.
Dan Rooney poses for a photo with John Stallworth, Joe Greene, Art Rooney II, Franco Harris and Lynn Swann during an Alumni dinner at Heinz Field.
Dan Rooney poses for a photo with Santonio Holmes during an Alumni dinner at Heinz Field.
Dan Rooney talks with Deshea Townsend and Larry Foote during a practice before Super Bowl XL.
Art Rooney and Dan Rooney stand at a chalk board discussing the Draft.
Dan Rooney holds the ball for his father Art Rooney to kick during the 1968 groundbreaking ceremony for Three Rivers Stadium.
Dan Rooney and his son Art Rooney II pose for photographs during a groundbreaking ceremony for Heinz Field.
Dan Rooney poses for a photo with his father Art Rooney.
Dan Rooney stands with Art Rooney II and Ben Roethlisberger as they receive the Larmar Hunt trophy after winning the AFC Championship on January 22, 2006.
A portrait of Dan Rooney during a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on August 15, 2005.
Dan Rooney shakes hands with QB Ben Roethlisberger during practice Thursday, January 19, 2006.
A portrait of Dan Rooney during Steelers practice in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, January 14, 2009.
A portrait of Dan Rooney.
A portrait of Dan Rooney.
A portrait of Dan Rooney.
Peter Rozelle, presents the Super Bowl trophy to Pittsburgh Steelers president Dan Rooney, center, and coach Chuck Noll after Steelers beat the Dallas Cowboys, 21-17, to win Super Bowl X in the Orange Bowl in Miami, January 18, 1976.
A young Dan Rooney with a broken arm.
Cardinal Wuerl blesses Heinz Field before its opening.
Dan Rooney sits with Chuck Noll during a press conference announcing his retirement from the NFL.
A portrait of Dan Rooney with a statue of his father, Art Rooney behind him.
Dan Rooney stands with his Hall of Fame bust and presenter Joe Greene, during the induction ceremonies.
Dan Rooney poses for a photo with his brother Art Rooney Jr.
Dan Rooney as a baby with his mother and father.
A portrait of Dan Rooney.
Dan Rooney poses for a photo with CB Ike Taylor.
A portrait of Dan Rooney during his time as Ambassador to Ireland.
A portrait of Dan Rooney.
Dan Rooney holds the Lombardi trophy with his father Art Rooney and Chuck Noll after winning Super Bowl XIV.
A portrait of Dan Rooney and Art Rooney II.
Dan Rooney and Art Rooney II review plans together for the construction of Heinz Field.
Ambassador Dan Rooney and his wife Patricia at the U.S. Ambassador's residence in Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Ambassador Dan Rooney and his wife Patricia Rooney are joined by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on St. Patrick's Day in Ireland.
Dan Rooney poses for a photo with Bill Cowher after signing him to the Steelers head coaching position.
A portrait of Dan Rooney during his years at North Catholic.
A portrait of Dan Rooney during the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.
A portrait of Dan Rooney during the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.
Dan Rooney stands in the oval office with President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.
Dan Rooney stands in the oval office with President Barack Obama.
A portrait of Dan Rooney prior to the Steelers 1000th game.
A portrait of Dan Rooney with his father Art Rooney.
Dan Rooney stands in the rubble of Three Rivers Stadium after it was demolished.
Dan Rooney, No. 33, kneels for prayer in the locker room with his North Catholic team.
Dan Rooney poses for a photo with Commissioner Roger Goodell.
A portrait of Dan Rooney.
Dan Rooney shakes hands with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
A portrait of Dan Rooney.
Dan Rooney and Pope Benedict XVI
A portrait of Dan Rooney during a press conference.
Dan Rooney, top left, pictured with his class mates and Patricia Rooney, front row third from the right.
Dan Rooney poses with five Lombardi trophies behind him.
Dan Rooney poses for a photo with his airplane.
Dan Rooney poses for a photo with his airplane.
Dan Rooney holding a Terrible Towel with servicemen aboard a Navy vessel.
Rod Woodson hands Dan Rooney the Lamar Hunt trophy after the Steelers won the AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens on January 18th, 2009.
Dan Rooney and the Steelers honor PGA legend Arnold Palmer at Heinz Field on November 10th, 2002.
Dan Rooney stands in the locker room with the Lombardi trophy after winning Super Bowl XL.
Dan Rooney poses for a photo with his son Art Rooney II in the locker room with the Lombardi trophy after winning Super Bowl XL.
A portrait of Dan Rooney.
Ashley Roethlisberger, Ben Roethlisberger, Patricia Rooney and Dan Rooney stand in front of the Ambassador residence.
Dan Rooney attends a memorial unveiling, honoring the Tuskegee Airmen.
Dan Rooney and Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson.
Dan Rooney and his wife Patricia Rooney pose for a photo with the American Bowl trophy.
A portrait of Dan and Patricia Rooney.
Dan and Patricia Rooney ride in a car during the Steelers parade following their Super Bowl XL victory.
Dan Rooney stands with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during a flag ceremony in 2013.
Dan Rooney stands on stage behind his father Art Rooney following a parade celebrating their victory in Super Bowl XIV.
Dan Rooney and his father, Art Rooney.
Dan Rooney and his father, Art Rooney.
Dan Rooney with his father Art Rooney and brother Art Rooney Jr.
Art Rooney Jr., John Rooney, Art Rooney (The Chief), Tim Rooney, Pat Rooney and Dan Rooney.
Dan Rooney during a press conference announcing the release of his autobiography.
Dan Rooney shakes hands with a group of Navy Seals before a game against the Baltimore Ravens, November 6, 2011.
Dan Rooney stands with Dermontti Dawson, Jack Butler and Art Rooney II during a locker unveiling for the newest members to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Joe Greene gives Dan Rooney a hug during his jersey retirement at Heinz Field.
Dan Rooney Shakes hands with Hines Ward.
Dan Rooney stands along side Chuck Noll and his bust during the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in 1993.
Dan Rooney poses for a photo with his grandson Dan Rooney.
Dan Rooney stands with his bust during the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Dan Rooney with his four brothers, his father Art Rooney and mother Kathleen Rooney.
Dan Rooney takes a picture with his family and his Hall of Fame bust.
Dan Rooney poses for a photo with Chuck Noll after signing him to the Steelers head coaching position.
Dan Rooney, pictured far right, sits on the bench as a ball boy.
Dan Rooney poses for a photo with Coach Mike Tomlin.
A portrait of Dan Rooney.
Dan Rooney talks with Senator Barack Obama.
Dan Rooney stands with Ernie Stautner during a jersey retirement ceremony.
Dan Rooney holds up the Lombardi trophy after winning Super Bowl XL.
Dan Rooney waves to fans as he walks off the field after Super Bowl XL.
Dan Rooney shakes hands with Alan Faneca in the locker room after winning Super Bowl XL.
Art Rooney, Chuck Noll and Dan Rooney sitting on the team plane heading for Super Bowl IX.
Candid shot of Steelers owner Dan Rooney sitting with Steelers head coach Chuck Noll in the locker room after the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Steelers.
Dan Rooney introduces Vice President Al Gore to Coach Bill Cowher.
Dan Rooney shakes hands with Coach Bill Cowher after winning the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts on January 14th, 1996.
Dan Rooney and Kevin Colbert during a press conference in 2000.
A photograph of Dan Rooney and Kevin Colbert.
Dan Rooney talks with Coach Bill Cowher, Tom Modrak and Tom Donahoe in the Draft Room.
Dan Rooney, Art Rooney, Chuck Noll and Art Rooney Jr. pose for a photo with four Lombardi trophies.
Dan Rooney and his son Art Rooney II and grandson Dan Rooney pose for photographs during a groundbreaking ceremony for Heinz Field.
Dan Rooney poses for a photo with Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, and Commissioner Paul Tagliabue prior to Super Bowl XXX.
Dan Rooney receiveds the Lamar Hunt trophy from Coach Bill Cowher after winning the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts on January 14th, 1996.
Dan Rooney, Paul Tagliabue and Roger Goodell.
Dan Rooney is sworn into office as Ambassador to Ireland by Hillary Clinton.
Dan Rooney is sworn into office as Ambassador to Ireland by Hillary Clinton.
Dan Rooney talks with John Stallworth.
Dan Rooney, pictured top right No. 64, with his North Catholic team.
Dan Rooney with Steelers head coach Chuck Noll as they receive the Lombardi Trophy from NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle following their victory in Super Bowl XIII, where the Steelers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 35-31.
Dan Rooney holds the American Bowl trophy with Coach Bill Cowher following their victory over the Chicago Bears in Ireland.
Dan Rooney waves to fans prior to Super Bowl XLIII.
Dan Rooney stands on the field with Coach Bill Cowher.
Cameron Heyward, defensive end**
"Mr. Rooney left a lasting imprint on the Steelers organization, the Pittsburgh community, and everyone he came in contact with. I was very fortunate to have shared conversations and laughter with him. I always felt like he genuinely cared about not just the athlete, but how the person was doing. His humility and kindness always stood out. He reached out to me when I first got drafted all the way out from Ireland. I didn't think the Ambassador would have time to talk, but he did and he congratulated me on my new start. Later on I got to meet him in person and the way he welcomed me it was like I was part of his family. Through tough times he would ask how I was doing and I just appreciate that the most. Whether we won or lost, he would come shake my hand and always looked me in my eyes to tell me he appreciated our effort. I will never forget this man. Thank you DMR. You have truly impacted me."
David DeCastro, guard:
"It's a tough day, a sad day. Mr. Rooney was one of the friendliest and most genuine people I have ever met. He always took the time to talk to everyone, and he always asked how everyone was doing. Whether it was a win or a loss, he always walked around the locker room and shook hands with everyone. I am so thankful that he gave me the opportunity to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Art Rooney II and the entire Rooney Family."Tony Dungy, Hall of Fame Coach, former Steelers defensive back and coach:
"Friendship, advice, always being able to tell you the right thing to do. And he did things the right way. It goes back to the Bible and treating people the way you want to be treated. He was the example of how to treat people. He was such an example for me. The first 10 years of my football career, being there and seeing how to do things the right way, that was the biggest thing for me.
"If you have been around Pittsburgh, you felt his impact. He was the example of how you treat people and serve your city, your country, your community, your team. I think we lost a tremendous example."
*Hines Ward, former wide receiver: *
"He meant the world to us. To me personally, he helped me so much with life lessons and that's something I'll always cherish. I remember when I first got to Pittsburgh and I got drafted, learning the art of the handshake. When you walked into Three Rivers, through the building, you would say hi Mr. Rooney. He was little in size, but he had a strong grip and handshake. I remember he was like 'Shake my hand, look me in the face every time I see you.' He taught me the art of the handshake and it's something I passed on to my son.
"He was that father figure, that grandfather that I never had. He taught me about giving back to the City of Pittsburgh, giving back to the community. Just seeing him in the locker room when we won big games and seeing him in the locker room after losing, after a disappointing loss. Those are the memories I'm going to cherish. Walking around and having a relationship with each and every individual on that team and knowing everything about everybody on this team. I will cherish that the rest of my life.
"We lost a father figure who taught us the value of hard work, the value of giving back, who loved being humble through good times and bad times. That's what he represented to me.
Donnie Shell, former safety:
"He was genuine and authentic. It's just hard to find those types of people now, but for him to be an owner and be genuine and authentic – and he treated everybody like family. He really had a genuine respect for everybody.
"He set the example for the way you treat people and the way you act. He loved God, loved the family and loved football. That's what I saw in him. Sometimes they say a guy was a great player and there was no other like him. I don't think any other owner will ever be like him. He had his own unique way and quiet manner, but when he spoke up, everybody listened. I don't think the NFL can replace that."
Kordell Stewart, former quarterback:
"He just wanted to relax and enjoy the time. That's what he always told me – enjoy yourself. I played wide receiver – enjoy yourself. I played quarterback – great job. Enjoy yourself. We lose a big game – great job, I'm proud of you. Like seriously. Most guys are going crazy because of certain things not happening, but one guy who stayed steady at all times was Mr. Dan Rooney. He didn't skip a beat. With joy from his heart and his conversation, to how he moved. I only had an opportunity to be around his life for eight years, and many times I had a chance to come back and see him, for those who got to spend a lifetime or the majority of their lives with him – I mean, the little bit that I got with him, he was like my dad.
"There is no other owner out there better than him. He left something behind that the organization and fan base of the Steelers, and players, will forever and always appreciate. If you don't, you don't belong there. The work he put in is what made people appreciate him. He had a heart that was courageous, one made of steel and one that made sure everyone around him was happy. He will be missed, but his spirit will always be remembered. He always gave you a chance, he gave you an opportunity. That is what he did for me."
Rocky Bleier, former running back:
"The interesting thing about Dan, and his impact on the city, is he was in the shadows of his father to begin with, back in the later part of the 60s when I came here. 'The Chief' was the face of the Steelers. Dan brought the team into the 21st century. My personal interaction, it was Dan who gave me an opportunity to play this game. He put me on the injured reserve list and bought me a couple of years when I came back from Vietnam. It was Dan who was in my corner. He was that way in every player's corner.
"He came in and helped structure a dynasty in getting Chuck Noll with the same belief the family had, that people were the most important part. He had a hand in turning the NFL with rules and direction. He had the respect of other owners. He became the in-between guy. He quietly got things done. He had a big hand in where the Steelers and the National Football League are today."
David Baker, Pro Football Hall of Fame President:
"The Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the loss of an incredible and loving man. Ambassador Rooney epitomized all that is great about this game that he and his family helped grow into an American institution. His impact on the game was profound. I have never met a man who possessed such humility and integrity as Dan Rooney. All of us associated with the Hall of Fame are indebted to him for the contributions he made to the game and for his decades of service as a member of our Board of Trustees. Tomorrow, the flag at the Pro Football Hall of Fame will fly at half-staff in honor of one of the greatest men to ever serve this game. We will keep his wife Pat and the entire Rooney family in our prayers and hope they find comfort in knowing that Dan's legacy will forever be kept alive in Canton, Ohio."
Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins Owner:
"Mr. Rooney was an amazing man who made such tremendous contributions to the NFL, the City of Pittsburgh and the people of our community. I feel very fortunate to have known him. He impacted many of our lives, and he left a legacy that makes us all proud to be Pittsburghers."
David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins President/CEO:
"Dan Rooney exemplified the very best of Pittsburgh. He was classy, courteous, dedicated, honest, hard-working - and, most of all, he never forgot where he came from. He and his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers set the standard for operating a first-class professional sports franchise - both on and off the field - and his generous contributions to our community will never be forgotten. From a personal standpoint, I was honored to call him a friend and always appreciated his unwavering support of the Penguins. We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Patricia, and the entire Rooney family. Mr. Rooney was a champion and a true Pittsburgh icon. He will be missed."
Bob Nutting, Pittsburgh Pirates Chairman:
"We at the Pirates are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dan Rooney. A dedicated family man, Dan was a visionary leader in the NFL, in the United States Foreign Service and for the City of Pittsburgh that he loved so much. He positively and fundamentally changed the lives of so many.
"Personally I have deep appreciation and respect for Mr. Rooney. He was always there for me to offer guidance and perspective as only he could. He and the Rooney family set the standard for an ideal owner of a sports franchise. I am honored and lucky to have been able to call him a friend and mentor.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rooney family, the Steelers and Steelers Nation on this very sad day."
Patrick Gallagher, University of Pittsburgh Chancellor:
"Dan Rooney was an innovative leader who forever shaped the sport of football and the city of Pittsburgh. His knack for resolving conflict, championing diversity and pursuing excellence with integrity earned him not only Super Bowl rings, but our collective admiration and affection. On behalf of the University of Pittsburgh, I extend my deepest sympathies to the entire Rooney family and the Steelers franchise."
Heather Lyke, University of Pittsburgh Athletic Director:
"Growing up in Canton in the shadow of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, I became educated very early on about 'The Steelers Way' and the incredible family tradition of this iconic NFL franchise. Since arriving in Pittsburgh last month, I have been able to experience firsthand the tremendous class and warmth of the Rooney family. Dan Rooney has an incredible legacy that goes well beyond the football field and we will all continue to be inspired by his example and memory. Our prayers and sympathies are with the Rooney family and all of Steelers Nation."
DeMaurice Smith, NFLPA Executive Director:
"The NFLPA is saddened to hear about the loss of Ambassador Dan Rooney. Our condolences go out to the Rooney family and to all in the Steelers organization."
Sean McManus, Chairman of CBS Sports:
"Mr. Rooney was the epitome of class. His contributions to the NFL were many and far reaching. Stability, generosity and performance are all synonymous with the Rooney name. Mr. Rooney clearly and systematically moved the NFL forward in the area of diversity and inclusiveness with the Rooney Rule. His enormous legacy will be felt at the NFL for generations to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Rooney Family."
