Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert and coach Mike Tomlin released statements Friday honoring team chairman and owner Dan Rooney, who died Thursday at the age of 84.
Their full statements are below:
Kevin Colbert:
Mr. Rooney touched everybody he ever met. Words cannot express the impact he had on me, my family and our organization on a daily basis. The virtues he taught us about faith, family and our great game of football will never be forgotten and always cherished.
As we move forward, it is not only our obligation to carry on these wonderful virtues in our lives, but to share these same virtues with others the way he shared them with us.
Mike Tomlin:
The passing of Mr. Rooney is a difficult time, not just for myself, the Pittsburgh Steelers organization and the National Football League. But for everyone in the City of Pittsburgh and Steelers Nation.
In 2007, Mr. Rooney afforded me the opportunity to lead the football team he helped guide throughout his life. For that, I am forever grateful and am honored to have done so.
After every game, win or lose, Mr. Rooney would enter our locker room, look me in my eye and shake my hand along with every player who stepped foot on the field. He embodied professionalism and was a man who created a family-like atmosphere that will continue on.
Football examples only scratch the surface of how he impacted mine and the countless other lives he touched.
First Published: April 14, 2017, 7:47 p.m.
