Dan Rooney has been involved with the Pittsburgh Steelers since 1955.  After graduating from Duquesne University with a degree in accounting Dan worked under his father Art, succeeding him as president of the franchise in 1975. Under Dan’s watch the franchise has enjoyed unprecedented success and his management style has become a model for efficiency in the league. In 2003 Dan handed over the reins to his son Art Rooney II and now serves as Chairman. He was inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

In 1976, he and Tony O’Reilly co-founded the Ireland Fund, which merged with the American Irish Foundation
to form the present-day American Ireland Fund.  Today, Dan serves as Vice-Chairman of the Fund, which has raised over $300 million to support peace, culture and education  in Ireland. In 1987, Dan founded an annual Prize for Irish Literature, which helps promising Irish writers under the age of 40. Dan is married to Peggy and has nine children. He traces his roots to Newry, County Down.