Pittsburgh Steelers

Art Rooney II talks one-on-one with Channel 11's Alby Oxenreiter

PITTSBURGH — The 85th season for the Steelers begins with high hopes and heavy hearts.

Last year, the Steelers were only one win shy of a Super Bowl appearance. There's optimism that this year could be even better -- but 2017 will also be a season to remember Dan Rooney.

Steelers president Art Rooney II talked to Channel 11 News about the patch the team will wear this season to honor his father.

“Wearing a patch is something that we did when my grandfather passed away, and so I think that was the way to honor him, and I think our players are excited about being able to do that,” Rooney said. “So we're going to remember him in various ways as the season goes on, and hopefully, we can live up to his expectations.”

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Dan Rooney's influence will always be with the Steelers, and in his memory, the Steelers begin their march to a seventh Super Bowl title. The team continues to enjoy stability at the top.

Rooney also talked about the recent contract extension for head coach Mike Tomlin.

“We've benefited from many years of being stable at that position and having Mike here. He’s doing a great job and understands how we want to do things,” Rooney said.

Rooney also understands how important it is to get the stars realigned.

Running back Le'Veon Bell's absence has been a headline at training camp. Bell still hasn't signed his $12.1 million franchise tender.

“I wasn't surprised that he wasn't here from the start,” Rooney said. “I was disappointed. We'd rather have him here and have him in camp with us, but these things happen. We've been through it before, so we'll just adjust and he'll have to pick up where we are when he gets here.”

There’s optimism surrounding receiver Martavis Bryant, who's now cleared to participate in preseason, and a step closer to getting the green light for the regular season.

“Martavis has looked good so far,” Rooney said. “He's still knocking some rust off, I think, so he still has work to do, but he's working hard, got a great attitude. I think he's really motivated to kind of prove that he should be here. We have high expectations for him.”

Rooney understands what Ben Roethlisberger was thinking in the offseason when he considered retirement, but like Ben, he doesn't want to look beyond 2017.

“He's at that stage in his career where you can't hold it against him for thinking about hanging it up. But at this point, he's here. We're all at camp. We're focused on 2017, and we're ready to go,” Rooney said.