sz. TRAGEDY IN STEELERS NATION: Matthew Rooney — Grandson of the Team’s Legendary Founder — Dead at 51. A Dynasty in Mourning.
For generations, the Rooney name has symbolized loyalty, tradition, and the soul of Steelers football. Matthew, though not on the field, carried forward that legacy in his own way — as a writer, an artist, and a man who loved the culture of opera and ballet as deeply as his family cherished the game. His life was a blend of creativity, elegance, and an enduring bond with the team that defines Pittsburgh.
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In their statement, the Steelers organization wrote: “The Rooney Family is mourning the loss of Matthew. He will always be remembered as part of our story and our pride.”
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Matthew was known among friends and family as witty, kindhearted, and unapologetically authentic. He was described as “one of life’s last true Dandies and an authentic Bon Vivant” — a spirit who brought color and warmth to every room he entered.
A funeral Mass will be held Thursday morning, followed by a private burial service for the family. Steelers Nation is encouraged to honor his memory by carrying forward the values his family has given this city: loyalty, resilience, and love for one another.
Though he is gone, Matthew Rooney remains forever tied to Pittsburgh — through the name he carried, the legacy he upheld, and the people who will never forget him.
Rest in peace, Matthew. Once a Rooney, always a part of Steelers Nation.
