Dartmouth quarterback Dan Rooney '12 spent last Sunday where many Americans wished they were, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas the site of Super Bowl XLV. As a member of the family that has owned the Steelers since the team's inception, Rooney was born a Steelers fan and cheered on the sidelines, rooting for the team's third Super Bowl victory in five years.
Pittsburgh lost the game, 31-25, to the Green Bay Packers, falling just short of a miraculous comeback. Rooney said he will treasure his experience despite the loss, however.
Dan Rooney's great grandfather, Art Rooney, founded the Steelers franchise in 1933. His grandfather, also named Dan Rooney, is the chairman emeritus of the team and United States ambassador to Ireland, while his father, Art Rooney II, is the Steelers' current president.
Dan Rooney has attended all four of the Steelers' Super Bowls during his lifetime, including last Sunday's. Of those, Pittsburgh has won two, in 2005 and 2008, and lost two, in 1995 and 2010.
On Sunday, Dan Rooney arrived at the stadium along with the team and watched the game from his family's box.
"I would say the best part about the whole experience was being able to watch the game together with my family," he said. "Obviously, there wasn't much of a celebration after the game no one wanted to say much."
Before the game, Rooney was able to talk to Steelers' players. While most of the team's veterans appeared calm, the Packers' players seemed anxious, Rooney said.
"They were playing in the biggest game of their lives, in front of a crowd that set the attendance record for a Super Bowl," Rooney said. "Everyone was pretty juiced."
The Super Bowl served as a welcome diversion for Rooney, who is currently working for his family in various capacities during his off-term.
In December, Rooney also helped prepare for the NHL Winter Classic, an outdoor hockey game held at the Steelers' stadium, Heinz Field, in Pittsburgh. He assisted in the Steelers' scouting department, breaking down film of NFL prospects.
"Through these experiences, I've seen the hard work that goes into being the best at what you do and the tough things that can come at you in life," Rooney said.
Despite Rooney's priviledged background, his Dartmouth teammates said he is one of the hardest workers on the football team.
Rooney served as the Big Green's third-string quarterback prior to last season. By the end of the season, he was fighting for playing time on the first team.
"Considering his family background, you wouldn't think he would work as hard," defensive back Shawn Abuhoff '12 said. "But he's one of the hardest workers on the team. He has the Rooney family character they work hard and deserve everything they have."
Abuhoff who identified himself as a fellow "die-hard" Steelers fan said he met Rooney's parents when they came to Dartmouth, calling them "a great family."
"If you were to ask anyone in Pittsburgh, I bet they'll say the Rooneys are unbelievable people without even having met them," Abuhoff said.
Rooney will travel to Ireland in the upcoming weeks for an internship at the U.S. Embassy in Dublin. He will return to Dartmouth for Spring term to prepare for next fall's football season.
Abuhoff said the Big Green's starting quarterback position now belongs to Conner Kempe '12, but Rooney will wait in the wings and be ready if needed.
"I'll do whatever helps our team win," Rooney said. "When my number gets called, I go in there and give my best effort."
The Big Green is hoping to build off of its best season in over a decade and can now dream of a championship season.
Dartmouth recorded its first winning record since 1997, finishing the season with a 31-0 shutout over Princeton University on Nov. 20.
"The game of football can teach you a lot of things in life," Rooney said. "Football has given me opportunities in life I would have never had without it."
