The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered one of their most valuable losses with Franco Harris’ passing. It is a void that is undoubtedly hard to fill. But in just a week, the franchise went through the disheartening news of the demise of John Rooney. He is the son of the franchise’s founding father, Art Rooney Sr. The football fans came out to express their condolences on social media.

John Rooney was a minority shareholder in the Steelers. He was among the franchise’s five children. Rooney was the brother of the late Steelers chairperson, Dan Rooney, and the uncle of Art Rooney II. The passing of a family member is a tragic loss.

Pittsburgh Steelers ownership sustains a major loss

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, John Rooney passed away on Tuesday. The New York Giants also posted about Rooney’s demise on Twitter. Since the Steelers’ Rooney family and the Giants’ Mara household have a marital connection, they posted it on social media. But the Steelers have not released an official declaration of his death.

John Rooney began with a 16% stake in the team. However, when ownership shifted to Dan Rooney and his son, current team president Art Rooney II, in 2008, he was forced to sell most of it. The Rooneys had to adhere to NFL regulations regarding having a principal shareholder with over 30% equity. John sold most of his shares but kept 1% of his ownership interest in the team in 2015.

Read More: “He Used to Ride to Work on the City Bus”: Days After Death of Legend Franco Harris, Steelers Teammate Recalls Emotional Past

The death of the former shareholder took place on the same day as Franco Harris’ jersey retirement ceremony at Acrisure Stadium on Tuesday. Harris died merely days before the Immaculate Reception’s Golden Jubilee celebration.

NFL Fans sent prayers to the Rooney family

After the news came out, the fans poured condolences onto Twitter. Blitzburgh sent prayers to the Rooney family.

This user paid condolences to the fallen soul and his family.

Another user sent prayers to the Steelers Nation after major losses.

This user expresses his thoughts after John Rooney’s passing.

Moreover, this user felt bad for the Steelers fans.

Another user paid his condolences to the Rooneys.

This user acknowledged how one family is supporting the other and expressed thoughts for John Rooney.

It is indeed a tough time for the Steelers and the Rooney family.

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