THE grandson of Pittsburgh Steelers founder Art Rooney has died aged just 51.
Matthew Rooney passed away at his home in East Hampton, New York, on August 15.
Pittsburgh Steelers founder Art Rooney, who created the team back in 1933[/caption]
Matthew Rooney was the grandson of Steelers founder Art[/caption]
His cause of death is yet be revealed.
The AFC North team released a statement on Wednesday.
“The Rooney Family is mourning the loss of Matthew,” a spokesman said.
Matthew was the son of JoAnn and John J. Rooney.
His father was a minority shareholder of the Steelers.
That was until he sold the majority of his 16 per cent stake in 2009.
Matthew graduated from NYU before getting a master’s at Columbia University.
He split his time between New York and Los Angeles.
The grandson of the NFL icon settled down in Brooklyn Heights and East Hampton.
He is understood to have been a writer and artist.
“A lover of literature and passionate about ballet and opera,” an obituary read.
“His wit, charm and love of fashion made him one of life’s last true Dandies and an authentic Bon Vivant.”
Matthew is survived by his mother and four older siblings.
He also has 15 nieces and nephews and 18 great nieces and nephews.
NFL important dates 2025 season
March 12 – Free Agency begins
April 24-26 – NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin
September 4 – 2025 season opener (TBC vs Eagles)
November 27 – Thanksgiving Day triple header
January 4, 2026 – End of regular-season
February 8, 2026 – Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California
Art Rooney founded the Steelers back in 1933.
The family have been a mainstay in the league ever since.
He was their chairman and owner until he died in 1988 aged 87.
His son Dan was named president of the team in 1975.
He held that role until his death in 2002 aged 84.
His son Art Rooney II then took over.
And Matthew’s cousin, Art II, is the Steelers owner and president to this day.
The Rooney family will gather for his funeral and burial in Pennsylvania on August 21.
