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The Pittsburgh Steelers, former players and fans were dealt a crushing blow Thursday when it was announced team chairman Dan Rooney had passed away at the age of 84.
Almost immediately after his passing hit social media, both former and current Steelers took to Twitter to share their condolences and stories. You can genuinely tell just how special Mr. Rooney was not only to the team and the fan base, but to the people who could have called him ‘boss’, but instead just called him Mr. Rooney.
Take the time to read through these tweets, and you can tell just how special Dan Rooney was to these players. From the undrafted to the first round selections, all were treated with love and respect.
RIP Mr. Rooney.
If Mother Teresa & Ghandi had an son it would be PAPA ROONEY...
— Ike Taylor (@Ike_SwagginU) April 14, 2017
— Vincenzo Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) April 14, 2017
A spokesman for diversity and changed and followed it up by hiring an African American head coach. #Popdidit
— Vincenzo Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) April 14, 2017
Some don't get it and that's cool. Maybe y'all owners are just that to y'all. It's different over here tho we're a family from the top down.
— Vincenzo Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) April 13, 2017
It's a sad day in Pittsburgh! Greatest owner and family man there is! What he has done for the city is incredible! Thank you Mr. Rooney
— Bruce Gradkowski (@bgradkowski5) April 14, 2017
Rest In Peace Dan Rooney. I send my prayers and condolences to the Rooney Family pic.twitter.com/wlbmSNeWGu
— shamarko thomas (@shamarko21ya) April 13, 2017
Heart and soul of an entire city ! RIP Mr. Rooney!
— Anthony Chickillo (@Chickillo71) April 13, 2017
Gonna miss you DMR Heaven truly gains an angel
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) April 13, 2017
What a guy he was!!!! Always sharing kind words. Even after a loss he would say "we will get them next time" ... sad sad day man
— 5⃣Roosevelt nix (@Dat_Dude_Nix) April 13, 2017
May you forever rest easy Mr. Rooney!!! Gone but never forgotten! #SteelerNation
— 5⃣Roosevelt nix (@Dat_Dude_Nix) April 13, 2017
R.I.P MR. Rooney https://t.co/Yjeukq692J
— Sammie Coates (@sammiecoates11) April 13, 2017
Sad day for anyone who's ever ran into Mr. Rooney. What a guy! He will truly be missed. He was the Steelers and Pittsburgh.
— Ramon Foster (@RamonFoster) April 13, 2017
Pops ❤️you... pic.twitter.com/GgoIfmbxZH
— Ike Taylor (@Ike_SwagginU) April 13, 2017
R.I.P Mr. Rooney, such a great man to be around, you will be missed by so many. https://t.co/RQDdIvVsyo
— Anthony Chickillo (@Chickillo71) April 13, 2017
RIP Mr. Rooney I only knew you a short while but man you made me feel great about being apart of the #SteelerNation #Blessings 2 Family!
— Steven Johnson Jr. (@SMJ2852) April 13, 2017
Thank u Mr. Rooney! Your legacy will go on. Ive been blessed 2 have the opportunity 2 know & speak w/ u. Steelers would not b the same w/o u pic.twitter.com/1cppfRINhg
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) April 13, 2017
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/BNZ33vUJR2
— Ike Taylor (@Ike_SwagginU) April 13, 2017
wow ! sad day for Steeler nation my prayers goes out to the Rooney family much love and respect to Mr. Dan Rooney
— SauceGod.D.A. (@DAYERS_LOE) April 13, 2017
R.I.P. To Mr. Rooney. Thank you for all the knowledge you gave and support. You will always be… https://t.co/DO0BemTR1y
— Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier) April 13, 2017
He knew my name, a unknown signee, before I even said a word. I'll never forget that. Rest well! https://t.co/6p69WMnQRT
— Joshua Harris (@JoshHarris25) April 13, 2017
Rest Well Mr.Rooney! You will be truly missed! #ThankYou
— Robert Golden (@R0bG0lden) April 13, 2017