'We wanted to win it for the Rooney family': Steelers quartet pay tribute to the late Dan Rooney after NFL Dublin win
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and superstar players TJ Watt, Aaron Rodgers and Cam Heyward met with the press following Sunday’s win over the Minnesota Vikings, and each man paid tribute to the Rooney family, especially the late Dan Rooney, and explained how important it was for them to win on Irish soil.
Dan Rooney, who was owner, chairman and president of the Pittsburgh Steelers passed away aged 84 in 2017. Son of founder Art Rooney, Dan never forgot the family's ties to Newry and Ireland, as his ancestors emigrated to the United States in the 1840s.
Head Coach, Mike Tomlin:
“We talked a lot about the late, great ambassador [Dan] Rooney last night. I know he's smiling at us today. It's just an honour to fulfil his vision, to bring NFL football to Dublin. I've been thinking about him a lot on a personal level. So, I'd be remiss if I didn't say that."
Linebacker, TJ Watt:
“It was incredible. Hat's off to the Rooney family for establishing this culture here and having this fan base following us the way that they do. I think you have to acknowledge the Rooney family first and foremost.
“The fans were absolutely incredible today, and I wish I could say I'm surprised, but I'm not. They're everywhere, and they're incredible, and it was a fun atmosphere today.
“We definitely had a chip on our shoulder. Mike T [Tomlin] last night gave a big speech on the importance of the Rooney family here in Ireland, Mr. Rooney and his ambassadorship here and how important this game means to their family. We take a lot of pride in that, and to go out and play Steeler football was huge.”
Quarterback, Aaron Rodgers:
“I'm not going to share exactly what he said last night, but it was definitely impactful. Coach T [head coach Mike Tomlin] talked about his relationship with the late, great ambassador Rooney and how much he meant to him and how much Ambassador Rooney loved football, loved the guys, and loved his appointment here in Ireland.
“Me personally, I'm a little older, so I appreciate the history. There were a lot of us that wanted to win it a little bit more for the family, knowing how much affection they have for this area. I enjoyed that talk last night from Coach T. Again, I really enjoyed everything that we experienced here.”
Defensive Tackle, Cam Heyward:
“For our team and our organization, I think it's a big -- I think me and Mike T [Tomlin] are the only ones that really had a relationship with Mr. Rooney. I think for us it's a big thank you. He's responsible for bringing us both in.
“To follow the chief and see what he built on top of that -- I was telling the players it was uncommon for an owner to shake every man's hand and look them in their eyes and ask about their family and ask about what's going on day in and day out: Training camp, practice, games.
“I could tell Art Rooney was very excited about this game. He was carrying around his hurling stick, and he was explaining that sacred ground we got to play in and the importance of this game to the family. I think that resonates with a lot of our players.
“But for Mr. Rooney, I think we were all very thankful to have this game here. I think before they even announced it, do we go to here? Do we go to Mexico? I just felt like, man, if we got a chance to play in Dublin, this is a game we always circled on our calendar. I'm glad we got the win overseas.”