Art Rooney

Lore & Background

Rooney grew up in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, the eldest of nine children of longtime Steelers chairman Dan Rooney and Patricia Reagan, and the grandson of Steelers founder Art Rooney Sr. He attended Gilmour Academy, a private Catholic boarding school in Gates Mills, Ohio, where he played quarterback and was named team captain in 1969. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1978, he earned his Juris Doctor from Duquesne University in 1982, spending the summer of 1981 studying at the University of Exeter.

Rooney recalled his father Dan as dedicated to the Steelers, often absent due to travel and long hours, but making efforts to involve him by bringing him to work on Saturdays and including him in conversations between Dan and Art Rooney Sr. He remembered their frequent advice to "not be a big shot," which influenced his own tenure as team owner.

Reader's Guide

Rooney began his career as vice president and general counsel of the Steelers shortly after college graduation. In 1989, he joined the board of directors. He was named team president in May 2003, with his father serving as chairman while ceasing day-to-day operations. As of the 2024 season, Pittsburgh has a record of 223-131-2 under Rooney's ownership.

He serves as chairman of the NFL's Stadium Committee and is on the Legislative Committee, the Management Council Executive Committee, the International Committee, and the Digital Media Committee. Prior to his father's 2017 death, Rooney held at least a 20% stake in the Steelers, with a combination of him and his father owning at least 30%, and he inherited most of his father's share to become majority owner. He is one of only three third-generation owners in the league, the first being John Mara (to whom he is related by marriage) and the second being George McCaskey.

After being admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1982, Rooney practiced law for 20 years, concentrating in corporate finance, sports law, and government affairs. He served as a judicial clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals from 2002 to 2003 and holds an Of counsel position with Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney. He serves on the boards of the Pittsburgh Public Theater, Saint Vincent College, the Heinz History Center, and the United Way.

Did You Know?

• He received an Honorary Doctorate in Law from the University of Exeter in September 2024.
• Rooney's eldest son, Daniel Martin Rooney, has been the Director of Business Development & Strategy for the Steelers since 2022.