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Steelers minority owner John Rooney dies

John Rooney, the son of Pittsburgh Steelers founder Arthur J. Rooney and brother of former chairman Daniel M. Rooney, has died, the New York Giants announced on Tuesday.

The Steelers acknowledged his death Wednesday morning, saying they were saddened by the loss.

John Rooney was one of five children of Art Rooney and was a minority shareholder in the team. He started with a 16% share, but sold most of it as ownership coalesced around Dan Rooney and his son, current team president Art Rooney II, in 2008.

Rooney’s death coincided with the public funeral for former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris at Acrisure Stadium on Tuesday. Harris died last week, just days before the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.

Read more at SteelersNow.