Legendary NFL exec Tim Rooney dies at 84 after battle with cancer

Longtime NFL executive Tim Rooney died on Tuesday morning at the age of 84 after battling cancer, it has been announced.

Rooney, the nephew of Pittsburgh Steelers founder Art Rooney Sr, passed away while surrounded by his family. He is survived by wife Mary Ann, their two children and six grandchildren.

The Pittsburgh native joined his uncle's franchise as a scout in 1972 before going on to become their director of pro scouting.

As reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, he was credited with drafting Hall of Fame linebacker Jack Lambert after escorting then-coach Chuck Noll to watch Lambert at Kent State.

After leaving the Steelers in 1979 to join the Detroit Lions, Rooney was hired by the New York Giants as director of pro personnel in 1985. He remained in that role until his retirement in 1999 before later returning in a part-time position.

Over the course of his legendary career as an NFL exec, he was part of six Super Bowl-winning teams.

'He was a great guy,' Hall of Fame head coach Bill Parcells told the Post-Gazette. 'When you're a head coach, you need someone to tell you the truth. Tim was our pro personnel guy, and that was his job.

'We had daily interaction every day talking about the roster. We had a lot of talks and became close. That enhanced our relationship. He understood me, and I understood him.'

Rooney's younger brother, Tom, expressed his sadness at the news in an emotional post on Facebook.

'Lost my brother Tim today,' Tom wrote. 'Big brother took me to my first Pirates game, golfing and hosted my high school graduation party.

'He had a rough last several years and was ready to go! He also lamented the loss of many close friends. He’s with them now.

'Rest in peace, Timmy!'

Giants president John Mara said in a statement: 'Tim was an invaluable member of our player personnel department for 14 seasons as our director of pro personnel. He was an accomplished evaluator. More importantly, he was a great person and colleague.

'Our thoughts are with Tim's wife Mary Ann and children and grandchildren and friends, of which there are many.'