Woody Johnson Pays Tribute to Dan Rooney

Today is a sad day in the NFL. Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney passed away at age 84. Rooney truly was a giant of the league.

Under Mr. Rooney’s leadership, the Steelers grew into one of the most successful franchises in the league, winning six Super Bowls. The franchise had previously not been successful at all.

He was also a driving force for diversity within the league. The league instituted the Rooney Rule in 2003, which requires teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior football operations openings.

Jets owner Woody Johnson offered the following tribute in a statement.

On behalf of the New York Jets, I'd like to extend my condolences on the passing of Dan Rooney. Dan is one of the game's pioneers and a torchbearer for all of the best qualities that our sport has to offer. Even with his tremendous influence, he always conducted himself with a humility, honesty, and selflessness that is rare. Dan will always be one of professional football's great treasures