Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney touched so many lives, from the men who played for him, to presidents and world leaders.
Many of them shared their memories of the man they called a friend.
**
Hall of Fame DT Joe Greene:**
"When you talk about leadership, the image that comes to mind is Dan Rooney.
"He was a special man, a special man. He has proven that, not that he has to prove anything. He has been that way all of his life. He has proven to be a man of strength and conviction, quiet strength.
"He was fair. He was always fair. I never heard him raise his voice or speak in anger. He was a quiet leader who led from his strength. I always thought he was honest and fair with me. I saw that same character come out when he was dealing with other issues. He was a special man."President Barack Obama:"Dan Rooney was a great friend of mine, but more importantly, he was a great friend to the people of Pittsburgh, a model citizen, and someone who represented the United States with dignity and grace on the world stage. I knew he'd do a wonderful job when I named him as our United States Ambassador to Ireland, but naturally, he surpassed my high expectations, and I know the people of Ireland think fondly of him today. And I know the people of Pittsburgh, who loved him not only for the Super Bowl championships he brought as the owner of the Steelers, but for his generosity of spirit, mourn his passing today. Michelle and I offer our condolences to the Rooney family, some of the most gracious and thoughtful people we know - even as we celebrate the life of Dan Rooney: a championship-caliber good man."**
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.
Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland:**
"I have heard with sadness of the passing of Dan Rooney, former US ambassador to Ireland and co-founder of the Ireland Funds. Sabina and I remember Ambassador Rooney and his family's visit to us in Aras an Uachtarain with fondness. Deeply committed to Ireland and the Irish people, he was always conscious of his Irish roots. He was a major contributor to the Ireland Funds. Thanks to his contributions and those of others many projects promoting peace and reconciliation in Ireland were initiated, leaving a real and tangible legacy.
"All of those who met him were quick to realize his love for his native Pittsburgh and for the game of American Football. Followers of that sport will also remember him for the Rooney Rule, and his efforts at promoting greater inclusion and diversity within the sport. Sabina and I offer sympathy to his family and friends."
Gen. Michael V. Hayden, former director of the Central Intelligence Agency, who grew up on the North Side and attended North Catholic High School:
"I had loving parents, but Dan Rooney was the Pittsburgher who introduced me to the broader world. I was a college student, and I first saw the ocean from the back seat of a car driven by Dan in Narragansett, R.I, at the Steelers training facility there. He offered me mentorship, support, and comfort for the next half century."
Hall of Fame RB Franco Harris:
"I picture Dan being the City of Pittsburgh, all of Western Pennsylvania, that everybody loved him and felt that they knew him and that he was part of them and they were part of him. I guess everybody felt that they could share in him and that's a special feeling. For me personally, there's no doubt when he took over running the Steelers that it put us on a course and a whole different direction. With him hiring Chuck Noll and the first pick being Joe Greene and then just everything after that…he was a good man, just a good man.
"He cared. He cared and that meant so much to all of us that Dan always cared. He had a good heart. He was a good man and that means a lot.
"I'm not going to look at what we lost; I'm going to look at what we gained. You look at the enthusiasm built in this city from what he put together and that spirit of being a winner and that spirit of giving back and doing good, helping your fellow man, making your community better – those are all the things that we gained.
"What can I say about the sports world? What he built and what he meant to the sports world is just indescribable. The things that we accomplished and the image that we set and the nation that he built, it's quite impressive."
Hall of Fame WR John Stallworth:"He always has been more than an owner. As I got to know him, I never saw the owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I saw a friend, I saw a mentor. I saw someone that cared about me and my family. He has been more than the Steelers owner to me. He is a dear, dear friend and a loss that hurts me deeply.
"The world lost a star, a role model. He exemplified everything that was good about Pittsburgh, about the Rooney family, about the Pittsburgh Steelers, about humanity.
"He was real. You didn't see any pretense in him. You felt when he talked about something that he felt it deeply within him. There was no question about that. You saw a real person, the depth of emotion, passion, concern. People respected that."
Hall of Fame CB Mel Blount:
"He was a father figure. When I came to Pittsburgh as a young kid, his leadership and stability allowed people like me to grow and develop and become not just a better player, but a better person. I thought so much of him I asked him to introduce me into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I would go in his office and talk with him. I admired him. I think he has set such a high standard for all of the NFL owners. There is so much we can learn from the way he lived his life, and how he loved his family and community. He was a special guy.
"We lost a great ambassador to the game of football. Not just Steelers Nation, but the whole game of football and the sports world lost a tremendous figure, a leader. People who came in contact with him are better people just from being around him."Hall of Fame RB Jerome Bettis:
"He meant so much to me. He was an owner that really cared about you as a person. He got to know you not from an owner-player relationship; it was a friend-to-friend relationship. It was genuine, that is rare in this day. He was a real guy that happened to be the owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"A lot of people don't know he touched every single player. Nobody knows how much he meant to so many people. He was a giant of a man, not giant in stature, but as a man, as a person. The NFL lost someone special, the Pittsburgh Steelers lost someone special and the City of Pittsburgh lost someone special."Hall of Fame WR Lynn Swann:
"Dan served a greater purpose for the entire league in his passion for the game and doing things the right way. I think the Rooney Rule was monumental for minorities in the league in all positions. We're still seeing it and we're still seeing it not just in professional football, but in all of sports and college football.
"Dan was true and consistent in what he believed and how he pushed the team and continued to have us get better and move forward. He was extremely important to our football team and extremely important to the league.
"The National Football League and sports has lost a consultant, a counselor, a revered voice about what's right for the game. I don't care who you were in the league and what team you represented, I think everybody in the league could pick up the phone and seek counsel from Dan Rooney, and Dan Rooney would give you what he felt was the best advice for the world of football and yourself. I think people trusted Dan."
Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue:
"Dan Rooney was an extraordinary man of faith, conviction, reason and peace.
"He loved his family, his Steelers and his Pittsburgh. His values were of America, Ireland and his Church. He was an inspiration to millions throughout America, and in many other lands. He was at home on mean streets, in locker rooms and chapels, with Presidents, Popes, poets and visionaries. Few have served so many so well.
"Dan was my mentor, role model, indispensable supporter and great friend during five decades. In the NFL, he is irreplaceable.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Patricia and his exceptional family."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell:
"Few men have contributed as much to the National Football League as Dan Rooney. 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 labor 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. "
