Steelers Owner Earns Humanitarian Award for Community Impact
Steelers owner Art Rooney II received The Leigh Steinberg DeNicola Humanitarian Award for his work in the community. Rooney was honored with the award at the yearly Leigh Steinberg Super Bowl Party on Saturday. The event was held in San Francisco, California, this year. The event, which is in its 39th year, is one of the longest-running Super Bowl weekend events in the country. Steinberg’s Super Bowl Party brings together world-class athletes, entertainment industry leaders, health innovators, philanthropists, and thought leaders.
The award is bestowed upon leaders in the NFL and athletic communities who demonstrate selfless dedication to giving back and creating a meaningful, positive social impact. Steinberg spoke to Rooney about his commitment to the community in Pittsburgh and Ireland. He explained, “The dedication you have shown to both the Pittsburgh community and to Ireland, a country that means so much to your family, exemplifies your leadership and generosity in creating meaningful change. Your commitment to social justice, education, health, and community resilience demonstrates the profound impact of your philanthropic efforts.”
Rooney has been a board member of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania for many years. The United Way has programs that benefit a wide range of age groups, from youth to seniors. He helped establish the Art Rooney Scholarship Fund after his grandfather's passing. The fund provides scholarships for students from Pittsburgh’s North Side community. Rooney and the Steelers are also involved in several Pittsburgh area charities, including the Chuck Noll Foundation for Brain Injury Research, the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program, and Cancer Bridges. Rooney also chairs the annual Ireland Funds Pittsburgh Gala, which benefits various charities in Ireland.
In his own words, Rooney said, “I am honored to receive the Steinberg DeNicola Humanitarian Owner Award this year. I have always appreciated Leigh Steinberg’s commitment to the community, and in particular the way he’s always encouraged his players to be involved in the community.” Steinberg is a sports agent, author, and philanthropist. He’s represented more than 300 professional athletes in multiple sports: football, baseball, basketball, boxing, and Olympic sports. Steinberg was an agent for the legendary Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the early years of his career. Roethlisberger was later represented by Ryan Tollner.
