Art Rooney

American sports executive

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June 17, 2026

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Art Rooney was an American sports executive who founded the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1933. He used winnings from a horse race wager to establish the franchise. The team, originally called the Pittsburgh Pirates, changed its nickname to the Steelers in 1940 to honor Pittsburgh's steel industry.12

Rooney's legacy extends beyond the team itself. In 2003, the National Football League implemented the Rooney Rule, named in his honor. This rule mandates that teams interview at least one diverse candidate for every head coaching and senior position opening. Ownership of the Steelers has remained within the Rooney family since its founding.32

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Pittsburgh Steelers
Noll, Bradshaw, and the Steel Curtain
…in 1933 by Pittsburgh resident Art Rooney, who allegedly used winnings from a wager on a horse race to establish the franchise. (Ownership of the team remains within the Rooney family to this day.) The team was not an early success; it qualified for the playoffs just once in its…
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…in 1933 by Pittsburgh resident Art Rooney, who allegedly used winnings from a wager on a horse race to establish the franchise. (Ownership of the team remains within the Rooney family to this day.) The team was not an early success; it qualified for the playoffs just once in its…
Read More