The ownership of the Pittsburgh Steelers came under scrutiny following the release of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), report card grades. Art Rooney II, the Owner and Team President of the Steelers, received a failing grade, placing the Steelers' ownership 31st out of 32 teams in the rankings.
These are just the second ever NFLPA report card grades given out. The hope is that they can help serve as a free agency guide for the players. The NFLPA emphasizes that the focus of the report card should be on the grade and not the ranking. So while the Steelers' ownership was 31st, the F is what we should be looking at. Both are really poor.
Steelers' Art Rooney II Gets Exposed By Pittsburgh Media
Donny Chedrick, popularly known as "Donny Football," openly expressed his sentiments regarding Rooney's grade and didn't mince words. He appeared on The PM Team w/ Poni & Mueller on 93.7 The Fan, to share his criticisms.
“The only thing going for Rooney in this case is that his dad set tremendous groundwork in his place and he has nobody more than Mike Tomlin and Ben Roethlisberger to also thank for how they carried it through up until pretty much now,” said Chedrick.
Chedrick believes that Rooney's performance was overshadowed by the stellar contributions of the Steelers' exceptional quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, and the remarkable coaching prowess of Mike Tomlin. In his 17 seasons as the Steelers head coach, Tomlin has never experienced a losing season. An impressive accomplishment in the demanding and competitive league that is the NFL. Notably, while Rooney received an F in the poll, Tomlin garnered an impressive A rating.
“To be honest with you and the way he has inherited it, he’s the worst owner in the city.”
Chedrick further emphasized his stance, firmly asserting his belief that Rooney not only falls short as an owner, but ranks as the lowest among Pittsburgh's sports franchises. This bold assertion carries significant weight, especially when considering other notable owners in the city, such as Bob Nutting of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
“He never gets run through the mud the way Bob Nutting does and again, I’m not saying it's not warranted, the criticism that Bob Nutting gets, but we know what the perception is,” said Chedrick.
The Pirates' performance in Major League Baseball has been dismal since 1980, marking them as one of the most consistently underperforming teams in the league. Their last playoff series victory dates back to 1979, the same year they won the World Series. However, under the ownership of Nutting, the team has faced ongoing struggles, failing to meet fan expectations and prompting widespread calls for Nutting to relinquish ownership and sell the team. His leadership has garnered significant criticism, earning him little favor among Pittsburgh's passionate fan base.
Rooney's ownership of the Steelers isn't characterized by incompetence, but rather fans have become increasingly disillusioned with his passive approach. His reluctance to invest heavily and unwavering loyalty, while occasionally commendable traits, have drawn criticism in the context of the highly competitive NFL landscape. In an industry where taking risk often reigns supreme, such steadfast loyalty can prove counterproductive.
The Steelers have deviated from their traditional practices, as evidenced by the mid-season dismissal of Matt Canada in 2023. While this move was viewed as a positive step forward, many felt it was long overdue. It appears that Tomlin made this decision, although it's likely that Rooney also had involvement in the process.
Steelers fans are optimistic that Rooney will pivot towards a new direction in his tenure as owner, aligning more closely with the modern practices prevalent across the NFL. While the report card grades are just one aspect, it prompts questions and raises concerns among fans about why Rooney received such a low rating from the players.
The Steelers are currently navigating the offseason, and it's already buzzing with activity. With new members of the coaching staff arriving, other coaches departing, and roster adjustments underway, this period holds significant importance for the Steelers as they strive to reclaim their status as Super Bowl contenders.
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