There are many who knew Dan Rooney far better than I did.
But nobody who had interaction with the Pittsburgh Steelers owner walked away without being touched by his kind and unassuming manner.
Rooney died Thursday at the age of 84. His loss will leave a gap in the NFL that may be impossible to fill.
Rooney was rare and special. His basic traits made him that way. He rode in the back of the team plane. He lined up for pregame meals with the media, just one of many loading up a tray.