Pittsburgh Steelers Founder, Chairman, and Owner, Art Rooney, led the organization from 1933 to 1988. During his tenure, he guided the Steelers to dominance in the 1970s, winning four Super Bowl trophies. Rooney was instrumental in building the dynasty that became the Steelers. While he is credited for his significant achievements with the organization, he is also fondly remembered for his character and unique personality.
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Steelers Founder Art Rooney smokes a cigar while on the phone.
Rooney left a lasting impression on everyone he met, often referred to as "The Chief." During the 1971 season, a young Dick Vermeil, then the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, had an unforgettable encounter with Rooney. At just 35 years old, Vermeil was considered young for a coach in the league. The Rams traveled to Pittsburgh for the final game of the season.
In the iconic Steelers book, Facing the Pittsburgh Steelers: Players Recall the Glory Years of the Black and Gold, Vermeil shared a remarkable story about his interaction with Rooney. He recalled a freezing cold game where the temperature was just 16 degrees.
“If anyone mentions the Pittsburgh Steelers, I think first of Art Rooney. The first time I met Mr. Rooney personally, I was the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, I think in 1971. We were playing them in the last game of the season, in Pittsburgh. It was cold. It was windy. It was sort of what you expect for a December game at Three Rivers Stadium, if you know what I mean.”
The Rams led 16-7 at halftime when someone from the opposing team walked into the press box. It was Rooney. He had a gift for Vermeil.
“Before the end of the first half, I was in the press box and it was cold in there, where our box was, and I was sitting there and halftime was coming and Mr. Rooney walked into the coordinator's box. He brought me a hot bowl of soup. I am serious now. There's not a lot of times as a coordinator that you will want someone coming into the box during a game, let alone the owner of the other team."
Vermeil continued to explain that his interaction with Rooney was so rare and special to him. He has not forgotten that story to this day. Rooney left Vermeil a one of a kind message before he left.
“But he sat down and told me about the soup, how it was made, saying, 'It is sure nice having you in Pittsburgh, hope you're enjoying your coaching career, you're young, you have a bright future,’ all of that kind of thing. Here I am, it was 1971, and now 45 years later, I have not forgotten that story, that interaction. I have forgotten what I had for lunch yesterday, but I have not forgotten that story.”
The interaction stayed with Vermeil throughout his entire career. It instilled in him a deep confidence, knowing that when the opposing team's top official acknowledges you, it means you're doing a good job. This moment also exemplified the character traits frequently praised when people speak about Rooney. He was immensely proud of the soup that was made and took great joy in sharing its story.
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Steelers' Art Rooney smokes a cigar while sitting in the stadium.
Vermeil went on to have a distinguished coaching career in the NFL. He served as the head coach for several teams and was named AP NFL Coach of the Year in 1999. Over his career, Vermeil amassed a regular season record of 120 wins and 109 losses, with a 6-5 record in the postseason. He led his teams to three division titles over 15 seasons and won a Super Bowl. In recognition of his accomplishments, Vermeil was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
Steelers' Art Rooney Had A Unique Character
Rooney's unique character and hospitality left a lasting impression. Stories about Rooney are always a delight, especially for Pittsburgh fans. His gesture of bringing soup to an opposing team's coach exemplifies the kind of hospitality Rooney valued and sought to deliver in Pittsburgh.
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Steelers' Art Rooney gets ready to kick a football while wearing a suit.
This tradition of warmth and kindness continues as the Steelers strive to return to the Super Bowl in 2024, keeping Rooney's legacy alive. Steelers Team President Art Rooney II has made it clear how he feels about the current state of the team. He is eager to get Pittsburgh back to glory in 2024.
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