Steelers chairman Dan Rooney dies at age 84

Daniel Rooney, the chairman of the Pittsburgh Steelers, passed away on Thursday at the age of 84.

Rooney had served as president and owner of the Steelers from 1975 to 2002 before handing over the reigns to his son Art II, who currently runs the team. He had inherited the Steelers from his father Art, who founded the team in 1933.

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He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000 for his contributions to the game, which include pushing for more diversity in the league. The "Rooney Rule" was established in 2003 and requires teams to interview at least one minority candidate for head coaching and senior front-office positions.

The Hall of Fame will fly its flag at half-staff on Friday "in honor of one of the greatest men to ever serve this game," CEO David Baker said, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Rooney also served as the former United States ambassador to Ireland from 2009 to 2012 under President Barack Obama.