The Superbowl's Super People: Mke Tomlin and the integrity of the Rooney family
Three of the 6 head coaches and 2 of the 3 winning coaches of the last three Superbowls are Black men. Clearly all of these men are excellent leaders and have risen to the top of their profession. Many came before them that made these accomplishments possible. One visionary man made the earnest promotion of 'equal opportunity' in the NFL his legacy.
At 36 years old and in only his second season as head coach, Mike Tomlin became the youngest Superbowl winning coach ever. Superbowl winner, Tony Dungy, gave Tomlin his start as a coach while Dungy was at the helm in Tampa Bay. Chuck Knoll gave Tony Dungy an opportunity after his brief and successful playing days were over. What do all of these Superbowl coaches have in common? They were all benefactors of the Rooney family's vision and integrity.
In 1933, Art Rooney purchased the NFL franchise for $2,500 Over the last 8 decades his 'family' business has won a record 6 Superbowls.
By all accounts, Mr. Rooney has led by example. Art Rooney championed the inclusion of minority coaches in the hiring process of head coaches.
He was so instrumental that the policy bears his family's name, forever to be known as the Rooney Rule.
Not only did Mr. Rooney forge this rule, he named Mike Tomlin (then only 34 years old) as successor to legendary coach Bill Cowher. Mr. Rooney apparently values ability and integrity over maintaining the status quo.
This is an American success story. More than 75 years ago, one family founded a record winning NFL franchise in a blue collar, hard working steel town. They stayed true to their community and convictions. They continue to consistently reap the bountiful harvest of their beliefs.
The thing that makes this story even more remarkable in my humble opinion is that Pittsburgh is a very racially divided city. Having grown up there, it makes me proud that the Rooneys are leading the way in the NFL when it comes to minorities in coaching, despite the racial climate there.
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