Former Pittsburgh Steelers scout and member of the Rooney household who labored for the group Tim Rooney has died. He was 74. The Pittsburgh Publish-Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo shared the information Tuesday, noting Rooney died after a “quick” battle with most cancers.
Rooney’s dying comes on the identical day because the Steelers franchise celebrates its 92nd birthday, formally based on July 8, 1933, for the then-pricey sum of $2,500.
Nephew of Artwork Rooney, The Chief, Tim Rooney labored because the Steelers’ director of scouting from 1972 by way of the remainder of the last decade. His first season coincided with the Immaculate Reception, the turning level of the Pittsburgh franchise. Franco Harris’ unimaginable catch and landing turned the Steelers from decades-long lovable losers into Tremendous Bowl contenders. Although Pittsburgh didn’t hoist the Lombardi that season, the trail was cast.
Rooney helped get the crew excessive. He’s credited with taking part in a key function within the historic 1974 draft class, one which produced 4 future Corridor of Fame draft picks and an undrafted Corridor of Famer in security Donnie Shell.
As outlined by Fittipaldo, Tim Rooney put Kent State linebacker Jack Lambert on head coach Chuck Noll’s radar. Pittsburgh chosen Lambert within the second spherical of the ’74 draft. He turned a nine-time Professional Bowl, four-time All-Professional, and Corridor of Fame linebacker who anchored the Metal Curtain. Considered one of the vital bodily and intimidating gamers in NFL historical past, Lambert’s No. 58 jersey is unofficially retired by the crew.
Lambert, together with WRs Lynn Swann and John Stallworth and C Mike Webster, have been all drafted in 1974. All 4 have been ultimately inducted into Canton. Pittsburgh’s small and close-knit scouting division performed key roles. Corridor of Famer Invoice Nunn is probably the most well-known, credited for scouting HBCUs neglected by different groups. Artwork Rooney Jr. additionally had an necessary function and has been a Corridor of Fame finalist, although he’s but to be inducted.
Within the 80s, Rooney was employed because the New York Giants’ director of professional personnel, serving to the franchise win a pair of Tremendous Bowls. He labored for the Giants till asserting his retirement following the 1999 NFL Draft.
