President Barack Obama has nominated Dan Rooney as ambassador to Ireland.
Rooney is certainly qualified for the post -- although many here know him only as the owner of the Steelers.
He co-founded the American-Ireland Fund in the mid-70s, a time when sectarian violence was tearing apart northern Ireland.
It has raised millions of dollars for the peace process -- and Rooney has been an active player in those efforts.
He’s been a supporter and benefactor of Irish culture and education in both the Republic of Ireland and northern Ireland for decades.
That experience -- and history -- will serve him well.
But Rooney’s strongest asset is the one that set him apart in the NFL -- his unwavering personal integrity.
He has long been the voice of reason -- someone trusted by league officials, team owners and players.
And he’s renown for his personal touch -- talking to players and staffers, chatting with reporters.
Those are wonderful qualities for an ambassador -- but we will miss them here.
It’s hard to imagine Rooney living in some posh mansion in Ireland, instead of his house on Pittsburgh’s North Side.
He's been an integral part of the community -- not just the Steelers organization.
But we can get used to it -- because some things were meant to happen.
Confirming Rooney should be the easiest decision the Senate makes this year.
The Honorable Dan Rooney, The Ambassador of the United States.
You have to admit -- the title fits.
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