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A Different Way to Win: Dan Rooney's Story from the Super Bowl to the Rooney Rule
Dan Rooney was one of the most influential sports executives of his generation, the man who transformed the Pittsburgh Steelers into one of the National Football League’s great dynasties and premiere franchises. Some of his most important achievements, however, took place off the playing field as he sought to bring about equity in the league’s hiring practices and peace in his ancestral homeland of Ireland. As a business leader, a philanthropist, a diplomat and the author of the famous Rooney Rule, Dan Rooney was known for his core values, his quiet strength, his effectiveness, and his willingness to talk to and hear from those who disagreed with him. In this poignant account of his father’s life, Jim Rooney takes readers behind the scenes to share stories from his hundreds of hours of interviews with business and political leaders; sports and celebrity influencers; and family members. Part memoir, part business biography, part history book, A Different Way to Win underscores the importance of focusing on the long game and the effectiveness in building consensus in a way that is meaningful and sustainable for decades to come.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2019
217 people are currently reading
694 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 29, 2024
I’m a huge Browns fan, but I have always admired Dan Rooney. So even though this was a look at our division rivals, I enjoyed it! I thought the parts that worked best were the interviews. The style wasn’t the cleanest for them (the author tends to ramble a bit when asking questions) but it was great to hear from all the people themselves. There are non football subjects covered as well, but I think it will be most appreciated by sports fans.
March 31, 2025
I expected to enjoy this as a Steelers fan. I learned a lot about the Steelers and the Rooney family.
The audiobook includes several interviews, including with Joe Greene, Mike Tomlin, and Franco Harris.
The audiobook includes several interviews, including with Joe Greene, Mike Tomlin, and Franco Harris.
February 10, 2022
Sports are a part of my heart and soul, and in particular Pittsburgh sports. I proudly bleed black and gold. This isn't the first Steelers related book I've read, I've devoured many others - many biographies - but none as possibly personal and as business-oriented as this one. This book was minted in December I noticed, just weeks before I opened it as a gift for Christmas 2019. I actually hadn't heard about it but I was excited to read it. The cool thing about the book as you may be able to surmise by the title and author's name is that although it is a biography, it was uniquely written by the son of the man whose life it covers.
True story, I named my dog after the the original founder and owner of the Steelers: Art Rooney - aka "The Chief" (You can find my beautiful boy @Chief_The_Thief on Instagram). This book covers the life of his son Dan Rooney, and is written by his grandson Jim Rooney. How beautiful is that? One of my favorite things about my beloved franchise is the fact that it's a family business and I can't imagine that would ever change generations from now.
Fans generally know cosmetic or public facts about the administrative leaders of their favorite teams. So going into this book I knew that Dan Rooney was the American Ambassador to his homeland of Ireland and that he genuinely loved the game of football and his organization. That's about it. He passed away in 2017 and all the players on my team proudly wore a "DMR" patch with a green clover in honor of him. But this book revealed so much more that made me feel even more proud to be a Steelers fan.
Dan was a man of great integrity and faith. He was clearly brilliant, charismatic and knew how to use his influence to make positive change. To me that last part is becoming more of a rareity than it should be as many use their influential power for bad things far too often. This book carried so many lessons in leadership. The funny thing about leadership is that I, like most people, once believed a lot of it is common sense. Even as I was taking graduate classes on matter and earned an extra graduate certificate in it, in addition to my MBA, I considered the classes a breeze. But what's funny is that although it may be relatively simple, common sense is not so common and true leadership actions are I'm finding a special thing to come by now adays. That's where there is so much inspiration in all the great things Dan Rooney was able to do in this book.
Dan Rooney devoted his life to helping others. The world may not know it, but this story reveals what a massive impact he made on Ireland, its people and its history as a country. He did something no other politician has done to my knowledge, he brought grassroots back to social progress. He held town hall meetings, and I've been to Ireland and can really see what actions like that could do to help the people. The country was literally at civil war during "The Troubles" and Dan was able to use his position of power and his love for his heritage to implement peaceful solutions when hope was hard to come by.
There were of course references to the Steeler's championships and heroic moments that millions of sports fans know and love about the franchise, but another huge part of this book was the creation of the "Rooney Rule" named after Dan himself. This is where his integrity and brilliance in building authentic business relationships thrived. One of the key takeaways I learned in this book about Mr. Rooney was that he did not see skincolor. The Rooney Rule was created to give minorities in the NFL opportunities to be successful. Many were players themselves, and there is a clear historical connection between the two realms, but when you read more about the dynamics that went into implementing the Ronney Rule it really was impressive and facinating. The stories that came out of this warmed my heart. It solidified of course why I've always loved and felt connected to Tony Dungy's stories (I've read many of his books and also see him as a true hero and leader in the sport) and also our current Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. They among others are direct products of the Rooney Rule. Their success stories inspire me and I hope many others who read this tale.
The last thing that I'll add in here is that in an industry where the value of a dollar has absolute power, Dan Rooney's stance on the matter was truly special. Dan Rooney of course had money by the end of his life thanks to the success of the league and the franchise. But like many, it wasn't always like that. He took risks, invested his own dollars in a team whose success depended entirely on others whose performance was for the most part out of his control. He was innately torn and struggled daily on the idea of the growing wealth. He understood its value, but his heart was not greedy. He saw the corruption that often comes with money and always kept that on the forefront of his perspective.
This internal struggle hit home for me and it mirrors my own stance on the matter as well as my opinion of social media an honestly my profession of marketing in general. If you've gotten this far in my review then I thank you and hope you've found it helpful. But I'll also encourage you to follow @BookQuotes_InColor on instagram if you are interested in following some of my favorite quotes from this book and many others. I created this account to solve a problem for myself - I needed a place to put all my favorite book quotes and I'm sorry Goodreads, but the platform just wasn't cutting it for me. It didn't solve for all the quotes that I got from hardcopy books, only the digital ones that sync to the cloud. So you see, this account was a solve for me, but I leveraged the power of social media technology to implement my fix. The bonus here is that if others find inspiration from the words of my favorite authors then that simply means I'm spreading good and love to the world. On the flip side, like Dan's stance on monetary gain, all the negative and frustrating things about social media by nature of leveraging the platform are brought to the forefront. I see followers and tags for nothing more than personal gain that lack genuine human spirit. It's a reality that I accept but it also makes me sad. All this simply tells me that with all the good you try to put out there in the world, there will always and forever be bad. The important part is though that we don't lean into it. Let's also not forget that the bad definitely serves a purpose, it gives the good meaning.
So of course I give nothing but high recommendation for this book to all who may be interested in it, and I hope that it inspires you to lead with integrity in all that you do. God Bless and thank you to the Rooney family for leading Steeler Nation with love.
For all my favorite quotes from this book and others follow Book Quotes in Color on Instagram and Twitter
True story, I named my dog after the the original founder and owner of the Steelers: Art Rooney - aka "The Chief" (You can find my beautiful boy @Chief_The_Thief on Instagram). This book covers the life of his son Dan Rooney, and is written by his grandson Jim Rooney. How beautiful is that? One of my favorite things about my beloved franchise is the fact that it's a family business and I can't imagine that would ever change generations from now.
Fans generally know cosmetic or public facts about the administrative leaders of their favorite teams. So going into this book I knew that Dan Rooney was the American Ambassador to his homeland of Ireland and that he genuinely loved the game of football and his organization. That's about it. He passed away in 2017 and all the players on my team proudly wore a "DMR" patch with a green clover in honor of him. But this book revealed so much more that made me feel even more proud to be a Steelers fan.
Dan was a man of great integrity and faith. He was clearly brilliant, charismatic and knew how to use his influence to make positive change. To me that last part is becoming more of a rareity than it should be as many use their influential power for bad things far too often. This book carried so many lessons in leadership. The funny thing about leadership is that I, like most people, once believed a lot of it is common sense. Even as I was taking graduate classes on matter and earned an extra graduate certificate in it, in addition to my MBA, I considered the classes a breeze. But what's funny is that although it may be relatively simple, common sense is not so common and true leadership actions are I'm finding a special thing to come by now adays. That's where there is so much inspiration in all the great things Dan Rooney was able to do in this book.
Dan Rooney devoted his life to helping others. The world may not know it, but this story reveals what a massive impact he made on Ireland, its people and its history as a country. He did something no other politician has done to my knowledge, he brought grassroots back to social progress. He held town hall meetings, and I've been to Ireland and can really see what actions like that could do to help the people. The country was literally at civil war during "The Troubles" and Dan was able to use his position of power and his love for his heritage to implement peaceful solutions when hope was hard to come by.
There were of course references to the Steeler's championships and heroic moments that millions of sports fans know and love about the franchise, but another huge part of this book was the creation of the "Rooney Rule" named after Dan himself. This is where his integrity and brilliance in building authentic business relationships thrived. One of the key takeaways I learned in this book about Mr. Rooney was that he did not see skincolor. The Rooney Rule was created to give minorities in the NFL opportunities to be successful. Many were players themselves, and there is a clear historical connection between the two realms, but when you read more about the dynamics that went into implementing the Ronney Rule it really was impressive and facinating. The stories that came out of this warmed my heart. It solidified of course why I've always loved and felt connected to Tony Dungy's stories (I've read many of his books and also see him as a true hero and leader in the sport) and also our current Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. They among others are direct products of the Rooney Rule. Their success stories inspire me and I hope many others who read this tale.
The last thing that I'll add in here is that in an industry where the value of a dollar has absolute power, Dan Rooney's stance on the matter was truly special. Dan Rooney of course had money by the end of his life thanks to the success of the league and the franchise. But like many, it wasn't always like that. He took risks, invested his own dollars in a team whose success depended entirely on others whose performance was for the most part out of his control. He was innately torn and struggled daily on the idea of the growing wealth. He understood its value, but his heart was not greedy. He saw the corruption that often comes with money and always kept that on the forefront of his perspective.
This internal struggle hit home for me and it mirrors my own stance on the matter as well as my opinion of social media an honestly my profession of marketing in general. If you've gotten this far in my review then I thank you and hope you've found it helpful. But I'll also encourage you to follow @BookQuotes_InColor on instagram if you are interested in following some of my favorite quotes from this book and many others. I created this account to solve a problem for myself - I needed a place to put all my favorite book quotes and I'm sorry Goodreads, but the platform just wasn't cutting it for me. It didn't solve for all the quotes that I got from hardcopy books, only the digital ones that sync to the cloud. So you see, this account was a solve for me, but I leveraged the power of social media technology to implement my fix. The bonus here is that if others find inspiration from the words of my favorite authors then that simply means I'm spreading good and love to the world. On the flip side, like Dan's stance on monetary gain, all the negative and frustrating things about social media by nature of leveraging the platform are brought to the forefront. I see followers and tags for nothing more than personal gain that lack genuine human spirit. It's a reality that I accept but it also makes me sad. All this simply tells me that with all the good you try to put out there in the world, there will always and forever be bad. The important part is though that we don't lean into it. Let's also not forget that the bad definitely serves a purpose, it gives the good meaning.
So of course I give nothing but high recommendation for this book to all who may be interested in it, and I hope that it inspires you to lead with integrity in all that you do. God Bless and thank you to the Rooney family for leading Steeler Nation with love.
For all my favorite quotes from this book and others follow Book Quotes in Color on Instagram and Twitter
November 10, 2020
In each of Dan Rooney's odysseys, what remains constant is his unwavering drive to do what is right. He was one of the first NFL figures to advocate for the players. He did all that he could to facilitate peaceful de-escalation of the Northern Ireland conflicts of the latter-20th century, earning him an Obama appointment as Ambassador to Ireland. But his greatest accomplishment was the Rooney Rule, a mandate that all NFL teams must interview at least one candidate of an ethnic minority while filling NFL front office/coaching openings. This opened the door for countless prolific figures in the NFL, who would never have been given the chance to succeed without the Rooney Rule.
I particularly enjoyed reading this as my Election Day/Week distraction, a nice connection to the pivotal role that Pennsylvania (and specifically, Pittsburgh) played in the election's outcome. In addition, the Steelers are 8-0 for the first time in franchise history, undoubtedly a product of Dan Rooney's culture and method for running an organization, whether it's a football team or The Ireland Funds.
I particularly enjoyed reading this as my Election Day/Week distraction, a nice connection to the pivotal role that Pennsylvania (and specifically, Pittsburgh) played in the election's outcome. In addition, the Steelers are 8-0 for the first time in franchise history, undoubtedly a product of Dan Rooney's culture and method for running an organization, whether it's a football team or The Ireland Funds.
November 18, 2019
Black and Gold Blood
This book is an easy read and in many ways very insightful on Dan Rooney’s influence to the game and the world. I’m a Steelers fan so it’s in my black and gold blood to be a fan of Dan Rooney. That said, I believe the section on the Steelers turning around to become a winning franchise was a bit thin, especially on the impact of “staying the course” and not having a turn style in the coaches office. Lastly, the final section on Dan’s impact to Diversity in the NFL is great, but is horribly lacking in citations, especially where statistics are referenced. This book is worth reading, but I do think it could be better.
This book is an easy read and in many ways very insightful on Dan Rooney’s influence to the game and the world. I’m a Steelers fan so it’s in my black and gold blood to be a fan of Dan Rooney. That said, I believe the section on the Steelers turning around to become a winning franchise was a bit thin, especially on the impact of “staying the course” and not having a turn style in the coaches office. Lastly, the final section on Dan’s impact to Diversity in the NFL is great, but is horribly lacking in citations, especially where statistics are referenced. This book is worth reading, but I do think it could be better.
March 4, 2020
A "must read" for any Pittsburgh Steelers fan, this is also the biography of a man who spent decades championing the rights of minorities in the USA. Respect for Rooney was so great that he had the opportunity to employ his negotiation skills as the US ambassador to Ireland (having championed a charity that promoted peace, charity and prosperity in the midst of Irelands "troubles").
Well researched by one of his sons, it's a marvellous portrait of a man who always wanted to see both sides of a problem.
Well researched by one of his sons, it's a marvellous portrait of a man who always wanted to see both sides of a problem.
January 18, 2020
An exploration of not just the life of Dan Rooney and his significant achievements, but an insightful look into his leadership principles and core values. Highly inspirational and enjoyable, this book moves beyond history and biography to provide some core values everyone can emulate to improve their lives and interactions with others.
March 29, 2020
I’m sure I missed the part where he cured cancer but according to this story I’m sure he did. ‘Come on man’, let’s get real. The Rooney’s weren’t all that perfect. How about using the public funded Heinz Field for his own political interests to launch the ill fated Obama Care exchange network. A total failure and an embarrassment. This book is poorly written ‘gag rag’.
December 24, 2019
EXCELLENT BIOGRAPHY
The novel relates how a Sport’s team owner impacted positively on hiss fellow human beings. Mr. Rooney was a fair and trust man who “lived the precepts of the Gospels.
He not only spoke but acted and used his strong influence to better the lives of all.
The novel relates how a Sport’s team owner impacted positively on hiss fellow human beings. Mr. Rooney was a fair and trust man who “lived the precepts of the Gospels.
He not only spoke but acted and used his strong influence to better the lives of all.
Read
December 28, 2019I read this book to learn more about the Rooney Rule, but didn't realize Dan Rooney's work as the ambassador to Ireland, super interesting to read about, he was a pioneer and negotiator ahead of his time.
January 14, 2020
As a nfl and Pittsburgh fan I liked the book because I learned more about the nfl and my favorit team (history and management).
I didn't how big and important the Rooney's impact had in the nfl as how we ser toda y.
Also it has good topics about management and business.
I reccomend it.
I didn't how big and important the Rooney's impact had in the nfl as how we ser toda y.
Also it has good topics about management and business.
I reccomend it.
April 1, 2020
Genuinely fascinating insight into the life of Steelers owner, Dan Rooney. His motivations and philosophy, on and off the field, were really quite assuring that maybe huge wealth and money isn’t always corrupting.
November 25, 2020
An impressive tribute to a father from his son.
The book goes behind the scenes of the NFL during its formative years.
Especially worth reading is the background behind the Rooney Rule. Makes SO much more sense than "affirmative action"!
The book goes behind the scenes of the NFL during its formative years.
Especially worth reading is the background behind the Rooney Rule. Makes SO much more sense than "affirmative action"!
May 14, 2025
I hated that I liked this book (Bengals fan)! But in reality, an excellent read into one of the greatest owners in sports history. Dan Rooney truly captured what it meant to be a forward thinking leader.
November 21, 2019
A wonderful book very well written
A must read
I admire Dan Rooney and his accomplishments with the Steelers, and the NFL , but also his tenure as Ambassador to Ireland
A must read
I admire Dan Rooney and his accomplishments with the Steelers, and the NFL , but also his tenure as Ambassador to Ireland
December 30, 2019
Gave a great overview of a great life.
January 3, 2020
I enjoyed this relentlessly positive story of Dan Rooney's professional contributions.
March 1, 2020
Not only did I learn about Dan Rooney and the Rooney Rule, I learned about NFL politics, Ireland and more. So glad I read it.
July 13, 2021
Great read of a very influential man
Dan Rooney was and will forever be remembered for his accomplishments,on the field and into his role as ambassador
Great man
Dan Rooney was and will forever be remembered for his accomplishments,on the field and into his role as ambassador
Great man
February 11, 2022
Another interesting book about a first-class individual who knew the rules and played by them. If you wanted to work for an NFL owner, your first choice would probably be Mr. Rooney.
December 14, 2024
Even better than I hoped because it wasn't exactly what I was expecting.
February 7, 2020
More than football
I’ll admit I read because I’m a Steelers fan. However, I learned so much more, not only about the Steelers, but the beginnings of the NFL and the conflict in Ireland. It’s a biography, a history lesson, and a guide on how we are supposed to treat one another. Best exemplified by how Dan Rooney lived his life. Thank you for telling his story.
I’ll admit I read because I’m a Steelers fan. However, I learned so much more, not only about the Steelers, but the beginnings of the NFL and the conflict in Ireland. It’s a biography, a history lesson, and a guide on how we are supposed to treat one another. Best exemplified by how Dan Rooney lived his life. Thank you for telling his story.
August 20, 2023
Read this for an organizational behavior class in my sports management masters program.
“Playing the long game” is a crucial adage conducive to all individuals and orgs alike — and an especially important reminder in todays instant gratification/ impatient age.
It’s a reminder that doing things intentionally and with patience and vision for the long- game and results far down the line we will be better off.
Aint a must read but if you’re a leader it’s a damn good one
“Playing the long game” is a crucial adage conducive to all individuals and orgs alike — and an especially important reminder in todays instant gratification/ impatient age.
It’s a reminder that doing things intentionally and with patience and vision for the long- game and results far down the line we will be better off.
Aint a must read but if you’re a leader it’s a damn good one
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews