How Dan Rooney forced the National Football League to give Black coaches a chance

The Pittsburgh Steelers' chairman has died at the age of 84. No further details were immediately available.

The Rooney family bought the Steelers in 1933 and Dan Rooney took over the team after his father's death in 1988.

"I have heard with sadness of the passing of Dan Rooney, former United States ambassador to Ireland and co-founder of the Ireland Funds". His work with the Irish-American charities was noticed by the former president and in 2009, Rooney became the American ambassador to Ireland until his resignation in 2012. Rooney was the second chairman of the Steelers after being the president of the Steelers from 1975-2002, which he then passed down to Art Rooney II. As recognition for his work with the Steelers, Dan Rooney was also inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000.

"Rooney is a true patriot", said Jacob Bartolomucci. A funeral Mass will be Tuesday at 11 a.m.at St. Paul Cathedral in the city's Oakland section.

Rooney played quarterback and halfback at North Catholic High School in Pittsburgh and for a while he considered joining the priesthood.

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North Korea has amassed "substantial amount" of chemical weapons produced at several facilities, he added, without citing sources. But Yoshihide Suga, the government's chief spokesman, did elaborate when later asked about the comments at a regular briefing.

Added Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi: "A truly unforgettable and special moment for me was getting a personal visit from Dan Rooney after I had just accepted the head coaching job at Pitt".

Rooney was equally influential with the league. The credit for that goes to Mr. Rooney and his passionate commitment to Pitt and Pittsburgh.

TOM GOLDMAN, BYLINE: Dan Rooney was the rare man of power and influence who never forgot to be kind as well. "The importance of faith, family and football permeates the entire organization".

Tagliabue described Rooney as a "mentor, role model, indispensable supporter and great friend".

Rooney is survived by Patricia, his wife of 65 years, four brothers, seven children, 20 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren.