Steelers President Art Rooney II is the recipient of the Leigh Steinberg DeNicola Humanitarian Award, which was presented on Saturday at Steinberg's annual Super Bowl event.
The award is presented to leaders in the NFL and athletics communities who show selfless dedication to giving back and initiating positive social impact.
Rooney's commitment to the Pittsburgh community and giving back to his family's native country of Ireland is something that is continually on display.
"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 to creating meaningful change," Steinberg said in his nomination of Rooney. "Your commitment to social justice, education, health and community resilience demonstrates the profound impact of your philanthropic efforts."
Rooney is a long-time member of the Board of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, working with the agency on programs that benefit everyone from youth to seniors. Following his grandfather's passing, Rooney helped establish the Art Rooney Scholarship Fund, with an annual race providing scholarships for students from Pittsburgh's North Side. In addition, Rooney serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa.
Rooney and the Steelers are also involved in charitable endeavors that benefit area charities, including the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program, Chuck Noll Foundation for Brain Injury Research and Cancer Bridges through Steelers Style, the team's largest fundraising event.
Rooney oversees the annual Ireland Funds Pittsburgh Gala, an event started by Dan Rooney Sr. that continues to benefit many charities in Ireland.
"I am honored to receive the Steinberg DeNicola Humanitarian Owner Award this year," said Rooney. "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."
