Dan Rooney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dan Rooney
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| United States Ambassador to Ireland | |
| In office July 3, 2009 – December 14, 2012 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Thomas C. Foley |
| Succeeded by | Kevin O'Malley |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Daniel Milton Rooney
July 20, 1932 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | April 13, 2017 (aged 84) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Patricia Reagan
(m. 1952–2017) |
| Children | 9, including Art Rooney II |
| Parents | Art Rooney Kathleen McNulty |
| Relatives | Rooney family Kate Mara (grandniece) Rooney Mara (grandniece) |
| Alma mater | Duquesne University |
| Awards | CBE (honorary) |
Daniel Milton Rooney (July 20, 1932 – April 13, 2017) was an important American leader in both politics and sports. He was known for his work with the Pittsburgh Steelers football team and for serving his country.
Dan Rooney was the chairman of the Pittsburgh Steelers American football team for many years. He also served as the United States Ambassador to Ireland from 2009 to 2012. He was a very respected person in the world of sports and diplomacy.
Contents
A Life in Football
Dan Rooney spent most of his life involved with the National Football League (NFL). His father, Art Rooney, started the Pittsburgh Steelers team. Dan grew up around football and learned a lot about the game.
Leading the Steelers
Dan Rooney took over leadership of the Pittsburgh Steelers from his father. He helped guide the team to amazing success. Under his leadership, the Steelers won six Super Bowl championships. These wins happened in 1975, 1976, 1979, 1980, 2006, and 2009. They also won eight AFC Championships.
In 2000, Dan Rooney was chosen for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This is a very special honor for people who have made huge contributions to football.
The Rooney Rule
Dan Rooney is famous for creating something called the "Rooney Rule". This rule says that NFL teams must interview at least one minority candidate for head coach and general manager jobs. He wanted to make sure that everyone had a fair chance to be considered for important roles in the NFL. This rule has helped to make the NFL more fair and diverse.
Serving His Country
In 2009, President Barack Obama asked Dan Rooney to become the United States Ambassador to Ireland. An ambassador is a person who represents their country in another country. Dan Rooney lived in Ireland and worked to improve the relationship between the United States and Ireland. He served in this role until 2012.
Helping Ireland
Dan Rooney also helped to start an organization called The Ireland Funds. This group raises money to support peace, culture, and charity projects in Ireland. He cared deeply about his Irish heritage and worked to help the country.
His Family and Legacy
Dan Rooney was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1932. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 84. He had nine children, including Art Rooney II, who now helps lead the Steelers. His family, the Rooney family, is well-known. His grandnieces, Kate Mara and Rooney Mara, are famous actresses.
Dan Rooney left behind a great legacy. He was a successful sports executive who led his team to many victories. He also made a big difference in promoting fairness in sports with the Rooney Rule. And he served his country as an ambassador, working to build strong relationships with other nations.
Images for kids
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Rooney (left), with President George W. Bush in June 2006 after winning Super Bowl XL
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Rooney with President Obama and President McAleese at Áras an Uachtaráin in May 2011
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Rooney in October 2008, at an Obama rally
See also
In Spanish: Dan Rooney para niños
