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PITTSBURGH - Known for maintaining tradition, Dan Rooney has passed leadership of the Steelers to his son the same way he became head of the franchise - quietly.
With little to note the change, except for barely noticeable changes in the team media guide, team owner Dan Rooney named son Art Rooney II as his replacement as president of the Steelers.
"I just thought it was time," Dan Rooney, 71, said. "Art has been involved with a lot of the business of the team. He was very much involved in the building of Heinz Field."
"I'm still going to be here. He's going to take on more of the tasks and things like that."
Dan Rooney now is the team's chairman, a title not used previously by him, and still is listed above his son on the organizational chart. The Steelers haven't had a chairman since team founder Art Rooney Sr. assumed the title after naming Dan as team president in 1975.
Art Rooney II, 50, who also runs a Pittsburgh law firm, was previously listed as vice president and general counsel. As has always been the case, neither Dan nor Art Rooney II is pictured or has a biography in the media guide.
The low-key transition mirrors the way Rooney Sr. turned over the team to Dan during the mid 1970s.
When the torch was passed, however, Dan Rooney had been guiding the Steelers behind the scenes for about a decade, making big decisions, including hiring coach Chuck Noll in 1969.
Noll coached the Steelers to four Super Bowl championships and is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame alongside Art Sr. and Dan Rooney.
"I have been much more active than my father was, so it will be a little bit different from that standpoint," Dan Rooney said. "I'll still be doing those things."
Art Rooney II said his father might not be as hands-off.
"He has never said it, but I think my dad's philosophy always has been go ahead and make a decision," he said. "But if it's wrong, I certainly reserve the right to second-guess you."
49ers QB might miss first practiceSANTA CLARA, Calif. - San Francisco quarterback Jeff Garcia might not be ready for the start of training camp after injuring his back during an offseason workout.
Garcia has a protruding disc, coach Dennis Erickson said. He could miss a few of the first practices, which start Friday.
"It's not going to be season-ending by any means," Erickson said. "But we will just have to take it slower right now."
BRONCOS: Defensive tackle Daryl Gardener will have surgery Thursday after tearing ligaments in his right wrist during a fight and is expected to miss the first two weeks of the season. He and teammate Russell Newman were arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct after a fight with another customer at a restaurant early Friday.
LIONS: Defensive tackle Cory Redding, a third-round pick, cornerback Blue Adams, a seventh-round pick, and receiver Travis Anglin, another seventh-round pick, signed.
PACKERS: Defensive tackle Steve Martin signed. He has 43 starts in 101 games with the Colts, Eagles, Chiefs, Jets and Patriots.
PANTHERS: Tight end Mike Seidman, a third-round pick, signed.
RAMS: Terrence Wilkins, signed last year to replace Az-Zahir Hakim as the third receiver, was released. He had five receptions for 31 yards last season and averaged 22.9 yards on 47 kickoff returns and 9.7 yards on 25 punt returns. Also, quarterback Scott Covington and linebacker Joe Cooper were released. Covington's release comes four days after ex-Buc Greg Zolman was signed to compete for the No. 3 quarterback job.
RAVENS: With five days left before the first practice, it appears likely first-round pick Kyle Boller will hold out because the two sides are far apart on a contract. The quarterback, the 19th pick of the draft, was expected to battle Chris Redman for the starting job. If Boller does not report Monday, coach Brian Billick said he will not be allowed to compete to start the season opener.
TEXANS: Receiver Andre Johnson, the third overall pick, signed. He caught 92 passes for 1,831 yards and 20 touchdowns and played in two national title games for Miami.
VIKINGS: Receiver Nate Burleson, a third-round pick, signed.