What is Next for the Pittsburgh Steelers after Dan Rooney?

After the passing of Pittsburgh Steelers legend, Dan Rooney, many fans may be wondering, what is next for the franchise?

Must Read: Dan Rooney Defined Greatness

The passing of Dan Rooney shocked the NFL world yesterday as it lost a great man. Dan was a pioneer both on and off the field.

Many may be wondering, what exactly does this mean for the franchise? The main thing to expect is much of the same.

The Steelers have been one of the last remaining franchises of family owned ownership. Dan took the team over more than 60 years ago taking the reigns from his father, Art Rooney.

Now, Dan’s son Art Rooney II will look to follow in his father’s footsteps as he now takes the full reigns from his father.

Art has handled much of the team for a while now. Art now retains ownership of the Steelers.

While the first name changes, don’t expect the Rooney way to go by the wayside. Art will strive to continue his father and grandfather’s work as owners of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Here is a quote from Art on his father:

"“It is a sad day for my family and me. My father meant so much to all of us, and so much to so many past and present members of the Steelers organization. He gave his heart and soul to the Steelers, the National Football League, and the City of Pittsburgh.“We will celebrate his life and the many ways he left us in a better place.”"

The rest of the Steelers feel the same way, as you would expect. From the front office clear down to the players, the team is in agreement that the motto remains the same, “The Standard is The Standard.”

GM Kevin Colbert gave a statement on Mr. Rooney’s passing:

Colbert and the rest of the organization has been very vocal in their love and appreciation of Rooney and the impact that he had on their lives. Dan Rooney touched the lives on many and everyone you speak to about him will be the first to tell you how great of a man he was.

As you can tell, Steeler staff and players are going to do all they can to carry on the legacy of Dan Rooney. The Steelers actions both on and off the field will continue to honor the life and teachings of Dan Rooney.

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The team will honor him in any way possible and Steeler Nation will be proud to know their team’s legacy will live on through Dan Rooney’s family and friends.