I’ve always admired Mr. Rooney and the life he’s lived. Mr. Rooney lives life and teaches life skills by example, not mere words. My broadcast partner and former teammate Tunch Ilkin related this story the other day.
On the Friday morning before the Super Bowl Tunch went for a walk or, as he calls it “Urban hiking.” It was around 7:00 am and the snow was flying in Fort Worth. The roads were bare of traffic save for an occassional car braving the “sanded,” not salted, snow covered streets.
As Tunch trudged along in downtown Fort Worth with the freezing temps and swirling snow, he runs into none other than Mr. and Mrs. Rooney.
Yes, walking on the snow and ice caked sidewalks wearing sneakers and a Steelers jacket was the United States Ambassador to Ireland and the Hall-of-Fame owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers accompanied by his wife. And they were just returning from a 6:00 am Mass service.
Not in a Limo, not even a cab. No pomp, no fanfare, no “entourage.” Just the essence of what it means to be a Pittsburgher and a Pittsburgh Steeler.
God, family, football.
Quiet humility and strength of character. Not drawing attention to himself. Not flaunting or flamboyant. Always setting a real-life example of personal conduct.
Just like his father, “The Chief.”
Somehow, I just don’t think you’d run into Jerry Jones like that in similar circumstances.
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4 Responses to God, Family, Football
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Craig’s Podcasts
Great anecdote Wolf. So true about the example of humility, the key to leadership!
Wolf,
I want to say that I am a big fan of yours. I like your stories of playing with Chuck Noll and hopefully you are actually doing your life’s work… As Chuck used to say. I like hearing your comments and your analysis of the Steelers.
I really liked the Tunch and Wolf coverage of Steelers training camp when you were sponsored by Arby’s and you and Tunch where live at Arby’s. Hopefully, you can do more things like that.
I do have one question for you. Are you a believer in God, like Dan Rooney and his wife? Do you believe in the same Jesus that both Catholics and all Christians believe in?
The reason I ask is because many Christians in the City of Pittsburgh and people in Steeler Nation are offended by your fascination with the word “mojo”, are you aware that a Mojo is something that is against the God, Jesus that all Christian people (Catholics and Protestants) believe in. We are praying to Jesus to Bless the Steelers and you seem to be, perhaps Jokingly trying to get or use a Mojo. Unfortunately, by calling on the Spirits of Voodoo for help can nullify all of us praying to Jesus. You can not mix different religions together. This is actually against the 10 commandments:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=deuteronomy%205&version=KJV
A Mojo is not something to joke about it is from what is called Voodoo in the United States, but it is based upon an ancient pagan African religion. I am an African American and know what I am talking about. This is a real religion and not something to joke about….
In closing, I certainly hope I have not offended you. You actually are one of my favorite personalities covering the Steelers.
Best Regards,
Paul
Please don’t steal Wolf’s Mojo.
Great story Wolf! It’s just amazing how humble the Rooney’s truly are no matter how many times we see examples of it. They continue to be the most respected owners in all of professional sports. Their dedication to their values, morals, and business practices should be a beacon to any business.