Rooney Bros. Split Over Steelers Selloff

4 of founder's 5 sons want out of football biz
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 8, 2008 2:10 AM CDT
Rooney Bros. Split Over Steelers Selloff
In this March 3, 2008 file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney announces the signing of Ben Roethlisberger to an eight year contract extension in Pittsburgh.    (AP Photo/Don Wright, File)

A change of ownership could be in the playbook for one of the NFL's most historic franchises, the Wall Street Journal reports. The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in the Rooney family since the team was forged in 1933—but four of the founder's five sons are now seriously considering getting out of the football business to concentrate on their gambling interests.

Eldest brother and Steelers chairman Dan Rooney wants to keep the Steelers in family hands and is working on a deal to buy out his siblings, but some of them are looking to see if a more lucrative deal can be made elsewhere. Insiders say local billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller is interested in buying the team. (More Pittsburgh Steelers stories.)

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