The University of Colorado later recruited him for its football team where he was a blocking back for Supreme Court Justice Byron White.
Justice White credited Rooney's blocking as contributing to his success as a CU running back.
[1] He was a special agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from 1941 to 1958,[1] working closely with then United States Attorney John J.
[3] Rooney's legal career in Wyoming began with his admission to the bar in 1954.
[1] After his mandatory retirement from the court at the age of 70, he returned to private law practice as a member of the Cheyenne firm of Rooney, Bagley, Hickey, Evans and Statkus.