Obama calls Rooney a great friend and model citizen

Former U.S. president Barack Obama was among the many to offer his praise of Dan Rooney and condolences to his family Thursday.

Related: Steelers chairman Dan Rooney dies at age 84

The former Pittsburgh Steelers owner served as the United States' ambassador to Ireland under Obama from 2009-12, leaving the former president more than impressed.

Obama provided a statement after Rooney's death Thursday, via ProFootballTalk:

Dan Rooney was a great friend of mine, but more importantly, he was a great friend to the people of Pittsburgh, a model citizen, and someone who represented the United States with dignity and grace on the world stage. I knew he’d do a wonderful job when I named him as our United States Ambassador to Ireland, but naturally, he surpassed my high expectations, and I know the people of Ireland think fondly of him today. And I know the people of Pittsburgh, who loved him not only for the Super Bowl championships he brought as the owner of the Steelers, but for his generosity of spirit, mourn his passing today. Michelle and I offer our condolences to the Rooney family, some of the most gracious and thoughtful people we know - even as we celebrate the life of Dan Rooney: a championship-caliber good man.