The curious case of Art Rooney Sr.’s Hall of Fame induction

It's not hyperbole to call Art Rooney Sr. the most beloved sports figure in Pittsburgh history. Author Roy Blount Jr. told me last month that "He managed to acquire a saintliness," and he would know. For his 1974 book About Three Bricks Sky of a Load, Blount took a road trip with The Chief to see if the man truly lived up to his mythology. The result was a resounding 'yes.'

As the figurehead behind one of the NFL's greatest dynasties, it's a no-brainer that Rooney would be included in the Hall of Fame. But the timing of his induction is curious, especially compared to today's standards.

Canton is honoring the Class of 1964 this summer, of which Rooney is a member. His induction happened a decade before the Steelers hoisted their first Lombardi trophy. In '64, Chuck Noll had not yet joined the Baltimore Colts' staff, let alone Pittsburgh. He was still coaching with the San Diego Chargers . Joe Greene wasn't even "mean" yet, he was still a high schooler in Temple, Texas. The Steelers had yet to win a single division title. The closest they had come was in 1947, where they finished the season tied with the Philadelphia Eagles , but lost a tie-breaking playoff game 21-0.

By today's standards, Rooney had not yet earned the accolades in the record books to be enshrined in Canton. Even his Hall of Fame bio comes off as slightly passive-aggressive about this time, with lines like "Art Rooney's desire to make Pittsburgh a legitimate franchise began in 1938," (the team first took the field in 1933), and "It wasn't until 1947 that the team saw its first real on-field success," (arguably correct, but an interesting choice of wording).

The Chief's greatness at the time of his induction in 1964 wasn't based on wins and titles, but his ability to curate personal relationships. This was never more evident than at his Hall of Fame enshrinement speech, where former Pittsburgh mayor and Pennsylvania governor (and grandpa to future Steelers Director of Football Operations Tom Donahoe) David L. Lawrence gave Rooney's introduction:

"(Rooney) has given more to sports and asked for less than any man in the game... But what did he ever do for pro football? Kept it breathing in its very cradle, Pittsburgh, when no one else would. Kept it from floundering in World War II by fielding a team when others shied away. Kept it rise from raggedy days with top price magic names such as Whizzer White, Jock Sutherland, Bill Dudley."

It was a poetic speech, but it doesn't explain why Rooney was suitable for enshrinement in 1964. The Pittsburgh sports media didn't provide much more context at the time. The announcement of Rooney's induction was relegated to page 36 of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, with a four-paragraph story that almost downplays the honor.

"Steeler President Art Rooney will be in Canton on September 6th for two reasons: to watch the Steelers' exhibition game with the Baltimore Colts and to be inducted into pro football's Hall of Fame."

A single sentence from that report reveals what led to Rooney's enshrinement.

"Rooney rates his place in the Hall of Fame as one of the owners who shaped the NFL's successful financial and television policies."

Securing lucrative TV rights would be very important for a league still playing second fiddle to sports like baseball and boxing. Later in 1964, a profile on Rooney in Sports Illustrated included a small anecdote reinforcing his essential relationship with the networks.

(Steelers head of PR) Kiely shook his head. "No, Art," he said, "you can't duck this dinner tonight. CBS has the television sponsors and the agency men coming, and they're counting on you." "Will I have to make a speech?" "Just a few words," said Kiely. "What will I say?" "Well," said Kiely, "I imagine you would want to say the league appreciates the $28 million CBS is paying for the TV rights this season and next, and that the Steelers are glad to have their $2 million share."

Today, those network deals are in the billions. So, financially, Rooney's role in fostering those relationships seemed more than enough to merit enshrinement. But who could have predicted in 1964 that Rooney and the Steelers would soon be on the path to destiny?