Rooney Go Bragh!
Translation: Rooney Forever
NFL patriarch Dan Rooney was
recently nominated to be US Ambassador to Ireland. He awaits Senate
confirmation for this all to happen. The NFL's and Steelers' loss
will surely be a US-Irish gain.
Mr. Rooney comes from good stock and learned from one of the best,
his dad Art Rooney, Sr., who is affectionately known in Pittsburgh
as "The Chief." Art, Sr. was a true people person, somewhat of a
Pittsburgh ambassador himself.
In a recent Pittsburgh newspaper poll, most reader responses were
very positive about Dan's potential in his new role. But one critic
stood out, suggesting that Dan wouldn't be able to handle
international negotiations and swing big deals with Irish companies.
This guy must have been kidding! Here is a man who has been
front and center in successful NFL negotiations for years. His
steady hand has been a key factor in major NFL player deals. The
only reason more people aren't aware of his superb skill set is
because he's a very low-key person, not the type to trumpet his
success stories. You only have to talk to other NFL owners, as the
Press did this week, and you learn of Dan's true greatness in "big"
critical negotiations.
Mr. Rooney is also dedicated to Irish causes. He would have to be in
order to give up so much, even having to resign from the NFL Hall of
Fame committee. These wouldn't be easy sacrifices for a man who has
been dedicated to "everything NFL" for the past few decades. But
they are clear signs of his belief in, and commitment to, his new
job as US Ambassador to Ireland.
Godspeed Mr. Rooney, the Steelers Nation will miss your everyday
presence, but our thoughts and prayers will lend you support from
across "The Pond."
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