BE.Sad News: Steelers Nationals mourn the death of Matthew Rooney, grandson of the team’s founder, at the age of 51.
SAD NEWS: Pittsburgh Steelers family mourns the passing of Matthew Rooney – grandson of team founder, aged 51
The American sports world, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers football fan community, is in deep sorrow after hearing that Matthew Joseph Rooney, grandson of legendary Art Rooney Sr., founder of the Steelers, has passed away at the age of 51. According to information confirmed by the family and reputable sports news agencies such as NBC Sports and The Sun, Mr. Matthew Rooney breathed his last breath at his home in East Hampton, New York on August 15, 2025. The cause of death has not been announced.
Born on November 11, 1973 in Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania, Matthew is the son of John J. Rooney, a minority shareholder of the Steelers, and JoAnn Wallace Rooney. Despite being born into a family with a long and powerful NFL football tradition, Matthew chose a very different path for himself — towards art, culture and education instead of sports.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from New York University (NYU), he continued his studies and completed a Master’s degree at Columbia University, one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the United States. With a deep passion for the arts, Matthew Rooney devoted many years to cultural activities in New York. He served as Vice President of the Allegro Circle group of New York City Ballet and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Opera (Met Opera) – two organizations that symbolize the American artistic life.
Friends and colleagues describe Matthew as a refined, humble person, always full of creative energy. He loved literature, painting, classical music, especially ballet and opera. Although he was not directly involved in running the family team, he was always proud of the legacy that the Rooney family had built over nearly a century. A close friend shared with Times of India:
“Matthew always said that football was the blood of his family, and art was his soul. He lived a simple life, but spread love and inspiration to everyone he met.”
The Rooney family is one of the most famous and respected families in American sports. Since Art Rooney Sr. founded the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1933, successive generations have maintained the spirit of solidarity and dedication to the community. Currently, the team is still owned by the family, with Art Rooney II – Matthew’s cousin – serving as Chairman. Therefore, Matthew’s passing is considered a loss not only for the family, but also for the entire “Steelers Nation”.
In a press release, the Steelers expressed their condolences:
“Matthew Rooney was a valued member of our extended family. He was a beautiful, kind soul who was proud of his family legacy. We extend our condolences to his mother, JoAnn, and to the rest of his family.”
A private funeral was held on August 21, 2025, in Pennsylvania, with family members, close friends, and representatives of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Many fans sent flowers, letters, and messages of condolence, expressing their respect for a distinguished member of the Rooney family.
Although Matthew Rooney’s life ended at the age of 51, his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved him – a man of intelligence, sophistication, a loving family, and a man who always lived true to the values he believed in. He was not only the descendant of a sporting icon, but also a symbol of humanity and dedication in the arts.
Matthew Rooney’s passing is a reminder that, whether in the field of sports, business or art, the most valuable thing is still the way people live, love and leave a good mark on life.
