Tag Archives: Art Rooney II

Dan Rooney Jr: The Unsung Scouting Hero

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Photo courtesy of steelers.com

“THE STANDARD IS THE STANDARD.”

We all know the names..Art Rooney, Dan Rooney, Mike Tomlin, Kevin Colbert and Art Rooney II..but how many Steelers fans know the name Dan Rooney Jr.?

Son of the late Daniel Rooney Sr, Jr started off as the ball boy for the Pittsburgh Steelers back in the 1970’s. Working his way up to work for now recently inducted Hall of Fame equipment manager, Tony Parisi. Dan Jr. then went on to work in the ticket office for a few months, before becoming a part of the scouting department in 1997.

Courtesy of Steelers.com

Starting his scouting career with the pick of former Steelers guard and Hall of Famer, Alan Faneca out of Louisiana State University. Dan also scouted now Pittsburgh quarterback, Mitch Trubisky back in 2017 at the University of North Carolina. Believing that Trubisky brings that Black & Gold mentality on and off the field.

Almost 20 years before Trubisky, Dan Jr. had his eyes set on an undrafted running back out of UNC, “Fast” Willie Parker. An undrafted free agent back in 2004 who set history by busting out a 75 yard touchdown run in Super Bowl XL versus the Seattle Seahawks.

Now moving forward to present day. With the 2022 NFL Draft starting tomorrow, Rooney Jr. has mentioned certain quarterbacks the Steelers have focused on. Those quarterbacks being Pitt University’s Kenny Pickett, Liberty University’s Malik Willis(enjoyed dinner with him and his family), Ole Miss’s Matt Corral, Desmond Ridder at Cincinnati and UNC’s Sam Howell.

Photo courtesy of The Athletic

Notice in the video how Dan Rooney Jr emphasized on how he “Enjoyed dinner with Malik Willis and his family”? Did he mention that about any other of the quarterbacks? Nope.

Segway into the true topic of this blog. Yes, it is about the Unsung Scout, Dan Rooney Jr, who started from the bottom even as a part owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers. But also to let you know that Malik Willis will be our draft choice in the 1st round. #HereWeGo

THE QUARTERBACK WEEK:

No..Mason Rudolph Does Not Deserve A Contract Extension

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I know that there are a few fans that may disagree with me, but I am here to prove that the Pittsburgh Steelers do not..and should not offer a contract extension to quarterback, Mason Rudolph.

Since being drafted by the Steelers in the third round (76th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft, it was apparent that Pittsburgh may have studied Rudolph as successor to proverbial Hall of Fame quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. Being that they traded their third round (79th overall) and seventh round (220th overall) to move up to pick him.

But then came the actual playing time under center in the National Football League, where Mason showed his mediocrity time and time again in the absence of Roethlisberger. This being basically stated by General Manager, Kevin Colbert when asked by Sports Illustrated.

Not saying that Rudolph’s campaign wasn’t impressive stat wise, going 176 for 283, with 1765 yards. Along with a 62.2% completion, 13 touchdown, 9 interception, 10 game season. But it was the struggle, and actions of the wide receivers that gained him those stats, not his play. Along with how the team seemed to had rallied around Devlin “Duck” Hodges more than they did Mason with his 5-4 record and one incomplete (The Myles Garrett Incident).

You gotta love how my homie, Jomboy brings in the commentary. You also gotta hate one major thing about Mason Rudolph..“In his career against the Cleveland Browns, he has yet to beat them!” And we all know as a QB for the Steelers, if you can’t beat the Clowns..you really don’t belong.

KEY POINT: Rudolph lost away to Cleveland in ‘Helmet Gate’ 21-7. Hodges beat the Browns at home 20-13. Mason then lost the following season to Cleveland in week 17.

Then you have the infamous quote by Steelers President, Art Rooney II that pretty much solidified that Rudolph should not..and will not be on the roster next season.

“We are comfortable that he (Rudolph) is a quarterback who can play in this league and be a starter in this league.”

Not once did Rooney mention “for this team” or “for this organization”..but “for this league” was his choice of words.

Long story short..Mason Rudolph just isn’t good enough. Why would Pittsburgh make the move to pick up Dwayne Haskins so quickly in the offseason? So say goodbye to Rudolph ladies who think he is “HOT!” Because “HOT” doesn’t win football games. #HereWeGo

Steelers Do Not Need To Draft a QB in First or Any Round

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Photo courtesy of Nfl.com

Why would they? I don’t even know where this ridiculous notion came from to be perfectly honest. Because it has been determined that veteran quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger will definitely be returning. A decision disliked by some, but loved by most. So the last position the Pittsburgh Steelers need to address is the QB position.

Let’s say Roethlisberger plays for one more year, the Steelers made the move to pick up former Washington Football Team QB, Dwayne Haskins. And in my opinion played in the wrong system for the wrong team. Losing his staring position to Alex Smith. But I believe can bring something to the table after Big Ben’s decided departure. Much mote than 3rd year backup, Mason Rudolph can bring..that is for sure.

Which brings me to the podcast interview former Steelers quarterback, Charlie Batch had with Steelers Depot Wednesday. And although I usually agree with Batch’s input involving the team, his input on Rudolph was way off the mark.

Come on now. Pittsburgh Steelers President, Art Rooney II said it best about Rudolph, saying back on the 28th of January that Mason can be a quarterback in this “league” and starter in this “league.” Never did he mention a quarterback or a starter for the Steelers.

Regardless of Rooney’s previous statement that he himself, and head coach Mike Tomlin have complete faith in Rudolph being the starter during the Roethlisberger situation. I truly believe those words spoken were just lip service for the 2019 third round draft pick.

“Well, obviously Mason Rudolph would be the number one person we’d think about,” Rooney told Pompeani. “And, you know, Mason’s had a good few years now in terms of putting himself in a position to potentially become a starter in this league. I think a few more preseason games, a little more playing time, would be what he needs. But I think what he’s shown so far, he’s capable of being a starter in this league.”

Pardon my french..but “BULLSHIT!” If that were the case, if he truly believes Rudolph would be the next man up, then why bring in the 15th overall pick in the 2019 draft Haskins? I will tell you why, it was a subtle yet firm statement to Mason to either produce or you will be replaced.

“We’re excited to see what Dwayne can do with us,” general manager Kevin Colbert said. “It didn’t work out for him in Washington. We had high grades on Dwayne coming out of Ohio State. He got picked a lot higher than we were able to make that decision. … He’s a young, talented quarterback that we’re anxious to see what he can do once he gets here and gets working with us.” 


Let’s put it like this, the Steelers need to address three major positions in this year’s NFL Draft..Running Back(James Conner is out)..Offensive Tackle/Center(Alejandro Villanueva is out/Maurkice Pouncey retirement)..and Edge Rusher(may lose Bud Dupree). Fingers crossed on the latter that the organization works something out, but quarterback should be nowhere in the picture.

What Did I Say..Ben Is Going Nowhere

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Photo courtesy of The Athletic

You know it cracks me up how all of these high paid media outlets, and “so-called” Facebook GM’s can be so wrong all of the time. Because what I have said has come to fruition once again.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger met with on Monday:

“Ben Roethlisberger and I met yesterday morning and we had a productive meeting,” Rooney said in a statement. “We were able to discuss a lot of things that relate to where we are and where we want to go. Ben assured me that he is committed to coming back to help us win, and I told Ben that we would like to have him back to help us win a championship.

“We both understand that the next step is to work out Ben’s contract situation.”

Roethlisberger, who turns 39 next week, also could opt to take a pay cut to the veterans minimum, which would put his cap hit just over $23 million.

The final year of Roethlisberger’s current deal comes with a $41.2 million cap hit, although a contract restructure and extension could lower that by a maximum of about $14 million.

Regardless of what the media, former Steelers players and fans may think about the situation, their opinions mean absolutely nothing. Mr. Rooney and the coaching staff make the decisions..not them.

Looking forward to another exciting NFL season with Roethlisberger at the helm, and a plethora of wide receiver talent. #HereWeGo