Irish Massachusetts

  When a six foot, four inch, 275 pound professional football player who goes by the moniker Mean Joe Greene offers effusive praise of a certain individual, it's a good idea to sit up and listen. "Through 31 years of trust and respect, our relationship has transcended that of boss and player," Greene said before a packed room of sports stars, family and friends, and national media. "Dan is a best friend. He's a man of great character and integrity. He loves and confesses God. He loves and cherishes his family." The recipient of Greene's heartfelt testimony was Dan Rooney, head of the Pittsburgh Steelers and patriarch of America's first family of football. The occasion was Rooney's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000. His father Art Rooney, founder of the Steelers franchise, was enshrined in the Hall in 1964. "You can read about Dan's altruism through his service and through his many charitable and civic organizations,...