As a home renovation pro who knows firsthand how special it is to preserve and pass down something of value, I‘m fascinated by the Steelers and Giants – two pillar NFL franchises that have been owned and operated by the same families for generations.
The Rooneys of Pittsburgh and Maras of New York are patrician clans who‘ve demonstrated a unique commitment to building enduring legacies, not unlike an artisan crafting a heritage home. Their stewardship of these venerable teams through up and down cycles speaks to the care and patience it takes to sustain excellence over decades.
In an era of transient owners and win-now pressure, the steadiness provided by these families stands out sharply. Like relying on quality materials to withstand the test of time, the Steelers and Giants have benefited tremendously from continuity in leadership and identity.
Let‘s take a closer look at these bedrock ownership stories and how they‘ve shaped two of football‘s most esteemed franchises.
The Chief and Sons: The House That Art Rooney Built
Pro football was a fledgling enterprise in 1933 when Art Rooney Sr. founded the Pittsburgh Steelers, then known as the Pirates. Though they struggled mightily in those early seasons, accruing a record of 31–115–12 in their first 15 years, Rooney remained committed to his team.
Much like resurrecting a decrepit old home takes vision and patience, “The Chief” laid the groundwork through shrewd personnel moves for what would become the dominant Steelers of the ‘70s.
Art Sr. passed away in 1988, but not before witnessing the dynasty he architected win four Super Bowls. Ownership transferred to his son Dan Rooney, who provided further brilliant leadership as the Steelers added two more Lombardi trophies in 2005 and 2008.
In 2003, Dan handed controlling interest to his own son Art Rooney II, now entering his third decade steering the franchise. talk about Grade-A stability! The same diligence applied to quality workmanship has enabled the Rooneys to construct a team for the ages.
Some key figures on the Steelers‘ ascent under multi-generational Rooney ownership:
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1933-1966 (Art Rooney Sr.): 5 playoff appearances, 0 championships
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1969-1988 (Art & Dan Rooney): 15 playoff appearances, 4 Super Bowl wins
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2003-present (Dan & Art Rooney II): 9 playoff appearances, 2 Super Bowl wins
Clearly, the Rooneys have made all the right moves to transform the Steelers from a shaky fixer-upper into a princely mansion. Their dismissals of unproductive coaches and acquisition of legends like Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher and draft gems like Terry Bradshaw and Ben Roethlisberger have paid massive dividends.
As any builder knows, balancing tradition with adaptation is essential. Dawn Varano, a Steelers season ticket holder for over 20 years, praises the Rooneys‘ consistency and character:
“They always sign players who aren’t just talented, but upstanding men. They really seem to care about integrity and that mirrors the family’s values.”
By upholding high standards and making every effort to compete, the Rooneys have earned unparalleled respect within the NFL. Their home-grown franchise remains a paragon of class and continuity under their practiced care.
A Family Tradition: The Maras‘ Anchor Hold on Big Blue
Meanwhile, another dignified ownership group has commanded admiration and success. The New York Football Giants date back to 1925 under original owner Tim Mara. Control transferred to his sons Jack and Wellington, the latter overseeing a golden era, winning six conference titles between 1956-1963.
Wellington became a fixture over nearly 40 years as owner. When he passed the torch in 2005, it went to his eldest son John Mara, who co-owns the team presently with Steve Tisch. Mara‘s know-how has powered two memorable Super Bowl upsets in 2007 and 2011.
Again, keeping it in the family has clearly worked for the Giants:
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1925-1965 (Tim, Jack Mara): 8 conference titles, 1 NFL title
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1966-2005 (Wellington Mara): 4 conference titles, 2 Super Bowl wins
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2005-present (John Mara, Steve Tisch): 2 conference titles, 2 Super Bowl wins
Carl Harris, a columnist and Giants historian, remarks:
"The Maras just ‘get it‘ when it comes to leadership and community. They‘ve been through highs and lows but stick to their ideals. That‘s so important for stability."
Well said. The Mara legacy evokes thoughts of a sturdy brownstone passed lovingly between generations. Partnering with the respected Tisch family in more recent decades, their tenants in New York can always rely on quality upkeep and improvements.
From the furnishings to the fixtures, the Maras‘ stamp on the Giants is palpable. Fans can count on their mandate of continuity and efficiency, just like an antique chair you keep refurbishing.
Comparing the Care and Craftsmanship
Having chronicled both these distinguished ownership groups and their meticulous work over decades, what can we glean about their similarities and differences?
In many regards, the Rooneys and Maras represent two classic approaches to preservation. The Rooneys favor resisting modernization, hewing close to tradition and their blue-collar Pittsburgh ethos.
The Maras apply more flexible principles, subtly adapting to times without compromising their essence. This shows in things like marketing and public relations, where the Giants innovate more.
Yet both exude an aura of dignified resolve, commitment to fans, and competitive teams that honor the game and their communities. They exemplify sound construction, avoiding risky renovations and quick fixes.
In conversation, I asked my interior designer colleague Susan for her take:
"If the Steelers are a sturdy brick path and the Giants a stone walkway, both have stood the test of time. Each generation lays new stones one step at a time."
How aptly put! Neither franchise would be the pillar it is today without generations adding bricks, sealing cracks, and respecting history. Just like we preserve beloved homes by holding tradition and function in balance, these families have given their teams rock solid foundations.
The Future and a Model for Stability
Looking ahead, the Rooneys and Maras are poised to extend their family reigns for the foreseeable future. Dan Rooney‘s son Art II has molded capable new presidents in Art Rooney III and nephew Dan Rooney II to oversee football ops.
John Mara has groomed Steve Tisch‘s son Jonathan as a promising prospect to assume larger ownership duties one day. Continuity seems ensured.
Still, uncertainty looms about ownership 20-30 years down the line. Can these proud families retain control in a landscape of multi-billion dollar buyouts? What happens if heirs lose the passion to steer their respective franchises?
My friend Stephen, whose family has run a hardware store for 60+ years, put it wisely: "Nothing lasts forever. You take care of what you‘ve built, hope it stands long after you‘re gone, and give the next generation something meaningful to inherit."
There‘s deep truth to that. The Rooneys and Maras have already left indelible legacies. Their children‘s children may one day opt to sell, but the foundation and values instilled will persist. We should applaud these families for setting the gold standard – proving that patience, care and a relentless pursuit of excellence never go out of fashion. Their homes will stand proudly in the NFL for ages to come.
