“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.
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.
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:
STEELERS WORLD 1 