The grandson of Pittsburgh Steelers founder Art Rooney, Matthew, has died at the age of 51, according to the New York Post.
A cause of death was not revealed, but Rooney passed away at his his Hamtpons home on August 15.
“The Rooney Family is mourning the loss of Matthew,” a Steelers spokesperson told the outlet.
Rooney was a former minority owner in the Steelers organization, but sold his 16 percent stake in 2009. He is the son of John J. Rooney, and the cousin of current Steelers team president Art Rooney II.
Living in New York, Rooney focused heavily on the arts after graduating from Columbia with a Master’s degree and New York University with a Bachelor’s degree.
Rooney focused heavily on opera and ballet and lived in both New York and Los Angeles over his life. He served on the board of directors for the Metropolitan Opera of New York.
Rooney is survived by his four older siblings, mother, and numerous other family members in the extended Rooney family tree.
The Rooney family founded the Steelers in 1933, and helped build a football empire that has become one of the most iconic franchises in the entire NFL.
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