Dan Rooney is chairman and owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team founded by his father, Art Rooney. In November of 2008, Rooney and his son gained majority ownership of the Steelers, 80 percent, after his brothers sold their shares of the team.ESPN.com: Report: Dan Rooney, Son Will Own 80 Percent of Steelers

On March 17, 2009, President Barack Obama nominated Rooney to become the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland. Rooney previously founded the American Ireland Fund, which raises money for advocacy of peace and education in Ireland.ESPN.com: Steelers Owner is Ireland Nominee

Rooney has been involved with the Pittsburgh Steelers since 1960, with his first job as the director of personnel. Rooney was appointed team president in 1975 and became the outright owner of the team in 1988 when his father died.

Rooney is credited with the "Rooney Rule," requiring NFL teams to interview at least one minority candidate when filling coaching and management positions. Rooney was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

• 1932: Born on July 20 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• 1955: Graduates from Duquesne University with a degree in accounting

• 1955: Hired in the personnel department of the Pittsburgh Steelers

• 1965: His authority within the organization is solidified with coach Buddy Parker's resignation

• 1969: Hires legendary coach Chuck Noll

• 1972: The Sporting News NFL Executive of the Year

• 1973: Appointed as Chairman of the NFL Expansion Committee

• 1975: Named President of the Pittsburgh Steelers

• 1976: Chairman of the NFL Negotiating Committee

• 1976: Co-founder of The American Ireland Fund

• 1982: Helps to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with striking players

• 1990: Presented with the Pete Rozelle Award for his service in the NFL

• 1992: Hires coach Bill Cowher

• 1993: Co-author of the NFL salary cap

• 1999: Receives the Maxwell Football Club Reds Bagnell Award for Contributions to the Game of Football

• 2000: Enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame

• 2002: Chairman of the NFL Diversity in the Workplace Committee

• 2002: Relinquishes the title of President to his son, Art Rooney II

• 2006: Honored for his passion for aviation by the Allegheny County Airport

• 2007: Recipient of the 2007 Dapper Dan Club of Pittsburgh Lifetime Achievement Award

• 2007: Becomes the first recipient of the John McLendon Foundation Allan H. (Bud) Selig Mentoring Award

• Official Site of the Pittsburgh Steelers: ... A Journey with the Rooney Family

• Pro Football Hall of Fame: Dan Rooney Merchandise

• Overstock.com: Dan Rooney Merchandise

• Google Shopping: Dan Rooney Merchandise

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