Big news out of the owners meetings this week, as the Steelers got official approval to add three more investors into the ownership fold. Rumors were flying all week about a “big name” being in the mix. People tried their best to decipher who it was. Rush Limbaugh? Mark Cuban?
Figure that after all the hoopla, the Rooney’s go out and bring in three high-quality partners and the big name is a former Steeler great, not some me-first jagoff who will want to be the next Dan Snyder.
We were concerned for a while about the whole ownership struggle. Hopefully somebody named “Rooney” is always calling the shots. That’s all that really matters to us. But after taking a closer look at these new partners, if the sad day comes when the Rooney’s want to step back, the right people are in place to make sure things are done the right way.
John Stallworth
If you need an explanation about who Stallworth is, then GTFO. Guy is a legend and arguable the greatest WR in Steelers history. He’s got no ego and is about as good of a businessman as he was a football player. Some ballers live off of endorsements and signing bonuses, but not Stallworth. After his playing days were over, he started an engineering company that took off like wildfire. He sold out and become a very rich man, rich enough to buy the Steelers a few years later.
Stallworth fits the mold of a good former player turned owner. Some guys are too flashy, too famous, or too selfish. He’s none of the above. He knows the team and city as well as anybody and obviously knows his way around a boardroom. Perfect fit.
Varischetti Family
Nobody knows a lot about these guys, but if Peter Varischetti is anything like Tony Soprano, we’re in for a treat. Seriously though, this family calls Brockway, PA home and I’ve been there many times. It’s the typical western PA small town that is full of rednecks, factories, and Steeler fans. Obviously, they have some money, but growing up in a small town imprints some character on you that never leaves. Out of all the members of the ownership group, I think the Varischetti family brings some character and a grass roots perspective. Maybe Peter watched the games from a luxury box, but I’d bet he’s season a few from a rundown bar or a plain old living room too. He represents the “every man” Steeler fan in the group.
Bruce V. Rauner
Lastly, there’s Bruce Rauner from Chicago. Pretty much all you need to know about him is that he has not one, but TWO degrees from Harvard, including a MBA. He works at a huge venture capital firm in the Windy City and has contributed a ton of money to various campaigns in recent years. (In case you were wondering, they were mostly Republican candidates.) No word as to whether or not he’s been a lifelong Steeler fan or if he has that oh so valuable “Pittsburgh connection” but he’s smart and rich. Yes and yes.
In the end, you have a pretty diverse group here with money being the only thing in common. Stallworth provides the football mind, Rauner brings mad knowledge, and the Varischetti’s come straight from Steeler Nation. I think it’s a good mix and all three will help out the organization in one way or another.
What are your thoughts on the latest three investors to join the fold?
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