Pittsburgh Steelers: Dan Rooney to be honored with patch on jersey

After the passing of longtime chairman and president Dan Rooney, the Pittsburgh Steelers have found a unique way to commemorate his life.

In an organization such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, history runs deep in the veins of the franchise. The passing of Dan Rooney, son of team founder Art Rooney and chairman of the team, struck a chord within the entire organization and fan base.

With such a special connection between the team, city and players, it was only right to honor Mr. Rooney in a classy, respectful way. On Monday, the Steelers unveiled their plans to do exactly that:

The patch will be worn through the 2017 season by the Steelers, similar to the sticker on the helmet worn to commemorate the loss of former head coach Chuck Noll in 2014.

The initials represent Daniel Milton Rooney, his full name. The shamrock represents Mr. Rooney’s love for Ireland, from which his bloodline derives from and his love for the country in general. In 2009, President Barack Obama appointed Rooney to be the US Ambassador to Ireland, a role Mr. Rooney played until 2012.

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In a tribute to Dan Rooney after his passing on the team’s official website, Steelers president Art Rooney II said this:

"“I know he wouldn’t want us to make too much of a fuss. I think wearing a jersey patch, he would be proud of that. It’s a great way for all of us to remember what he meant to each one of us and what he meant to the organization.”"

The Steelers will open their season on the road against a division rival, the Cleveland Browns. This will be the first year since 1974 that Rooney will not play a role in the organization, taking over as president from 1975-2002 before transitioning to chairman of the team from 2003 until his passing.

A loss of the likes of Rooney will linger around the organization for quite some time. Everybody within every crack and hole of the organization, to the city of Pittsburgh and their fans, had the utmost respect for him.

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The Steelers have always been led with high amounts of class and character, and the shamrock patch on the jerseys perfectly resembles what Rooney instilled into the Steelers organization during his time here.