Steelers Owner Acknowledges Changing Landscape for NFL's Diversity Efforts

Art Rooney II says 'the environment has changed' as the league faces scrutiny over the Rooney Rule.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:52am

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Steelers owner Art Rooney II, whose father Dan Rooney was the namesake of the NFL's Rooney Rule, acknowledged that 'the environment has changed' for the league's diversity and inclusion efforts. Rooney's comments come after a Florida attorney criticized the Rooney Rule, and as the NFL navigates a shifting legal and social landscape around hiring practices.

Why it matters

The Rooney Rule, which requires NFL teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior football operations jobs, has been a cornerstone of the league's diversity initiatives for over 20 years. Rooney's remarks suggest the rule and the NFL's broader DEI efforts may be facing new challenges and scrutiny, potentially requiring the league to re-evaluate its approach.

The details

In an interview with ESPN, Rooney acknowledged that 'the environment has changed in recent years' for the NFL's diversity policies. He said the league has an 'obligation to make sure that our policies comply with the laws, whatever the law is, and whatever the changes in law might be.' This comes after a Florida attorney posted a video demanding the NFL suspend the Rooney Rule, which he claimed was discriminatory. While the laws have not changed, the attitude toward them appears to be shifting, with some state officials now questioning the rule.

  • On March 24, 2026, a Florida attorney posted a video criticizing the Rooney Rule.
  • On March 25, 2026, the Steelers declined to comment on the attorney's video.
  • On March 27, 2026, Steelers owner Art Rooney II spoke to ESPN about the changing environment for the NFL's diversity efforts.

The players

Art Rooney II

The current owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and son of Dan Rooney, the namesake of the NFL's Rooney Rule.

Dan Rooney

The former owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the namesake of the NFL's Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior football operations jobs.

James Uthmeier

A Florida attorney who posted a video demanding the NFL suspend the Rooney Rule, claiming it was discriminatory.

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What they’re saying

“There's no question that the environment has changed in recent years. We do have an obligation to make sure that our policies comply with the laws, whatever the law is, and whatever the changes in law might be. We've got to look at that and make sure we're in compliance. That's just the environment we're existing in today.”

— Art Rooney II, Steelers Owner

What’s next

The NFL is expected to closely examine the Rooney Rule and its other diversity initiatives to ensure they comply with any changes in the legal landscape. The league may need to adapt its approach to avoid further scrutiny or potential legal challenges.

The takeaway

The NFL's longstanding Rooney Rule is facing new questions and a shifting environment, forcing the league to re-evaluate its diversity and inclusion efforts. Steelers owner Art Rooney II's comments suggest the NFL is navigating a complex legal and social landscape around hiring practices, requiring the league to carefully balance its diversity goals with evolving laws and attitudes.