He grew up in Mount Lebanon and attended Gilmour Academy, a private catholic boarding school in Gates Mills, Ohio.

[5][4][6] Rooney began his career serving as vice president and general counsel of the Pittsburgh Steelers shortly after his college graduation.

Uncommon for an NFL franchise owner, Rooney's only business venture has been with the Steelers as he was a lawyer prior to his work with the team.

Rooney refused to trade Roethlisberger and permitted him to participate in the Steelers' training camp despite an ongoing legal process.

[9] The Steelers finished their 2024 campaign on a five-game losing streak and led to questions from NFL analysts that Tomlin could possibly be fired or traded in the offseason.

He currently serves on the boards of the Pittsburgh Public Theater,[14] Saint Vincent College,[15] the Heinz History Center[16] and the United Way of America.

[19] In September 2024, Rooney received an Honorary Doctorate in Law from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom for his achievements in sports and business.