NFL Family Reacts to Loss of Patricia Rooney

Cale Berger |

Updated: Jan 31, 2021

NFL Hip-Drop Tackle Free Agent — CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 01: A detail view of a NFL Crest logo is seen on goal post pad in action during a game between the Chicago Bears and the New Orleans Saints on November 1st, 2020 at Soldier Stadium, in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire)

The Pittsburgh Steelers family lost an adored figure late Saturday night, as the organization announced the passing of Patricia Rooney, wife of the late Dan Rooney and mother of current team president Art Rooney II.

A beloved individual both in Pittsburgh and beyond. Messages with condolences poured across the football world for the Rooney family and Steelers organization over the weekend.

Former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher described Rooney as a “matriarch,”and said she “embodied the spirit of Pittsburgh in how she lived her life.”

The NFL lost a matriarch in Pat Rooney. She embodied the spirit of Pittsburgh in how she lived her life. She impacted everyone she met, and inspired and nurtured in her own uniquely genuine way. RIP Pat and we celebrate the virtues you & Dan have bestowed upon us all.
— Bill Cowher (@CowherCBS) January 31, 2021

Owners league-wide expressed their sympathies for the Rooney family as well, including the New Orleans Saints’ Gayle Benson, Indianapolis Colts’ Jim Irsay and Carolina Panthers’ David Tepper.

Statement from Saints Owner Gayle Benson on the passing of Patricia Rooney: pic.twitter.com/KN0IFyfW7Q
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 31, 2021

Rest In Peace, Patricia Rooney, matriarch of the Steelers. My condolences and prayers to Art and the entire Rooney family.
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) January 31, 2021