Topic: Dan Rooney

Daniel M. Rooney (born July 20, 1932 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) is the United States Ambassador to Ireland. Rooney is also chairman emeritus of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team in the National Football League (NFL). He is the son of team founder and former owner Art Rooney. Rooney was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000 for his great success as an owner. He is also credited for coming up with the "Rooney Rule," which requires NFL teams with head coaching and general manager vacancies to interview at least one minority candidate.

Rooney is also co-founder of the Ireland-related fundraising organization, The Ireland Funds.

In the Steelers organization, Rooney was appointed team president in 1975 and was given a great deal of power by his father. During his tenure, he has implemented a philosophy and management style that emphasizes open, practical and efficient management. The results have been obvious: since 1972, the Steelers have been AFC Central Division champions 14 times, AFC champions seven times, and Super Bowl champions six times. Rooney became outright owner of the team in 1988, following the death of his father. Since 2003, Rooney has somewhat limited his control of the franchise, giving more power to son Art Rooney II.