In the high-stakes world of professional sports—where fortunes can rise and fall with the kick of a ball—a select few families have managed to turn their NFL franchises into dynasties of generational wealth. These families have maintained control over their teams for decades while crafting legacies that extend beyond the field. The Rooney family of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Hunt family of the Kansas City Chiefs are two such examples, and their stories offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to create a lasting legacy.
The Rooney Family—Pittsburgh Steelers
The Rooney family’s journey began in 1933 when Art Rooney Sr. purchased the Pittsburgh Steelers for a mere $2,500. Today, the team is valued at over $3 billion, a testament to the family’s strategic vision and commitment to continuity. What’s more, the Rooneys have maintained majority control of the Steelers for over 90 years—a feat achieved through a combination of loyalty, effective governance, and a values-driven approach.
Art Rooney Sr., the founder and patriarch, set the tone for the franchise with his emphasis on allegiance. Case in point? The Steelers have only had three head coaches since 1969. Art Sr. also valued humility and community focus. His eldest son, Dan Rooney, took over as team chairman and played a pivotal role in shaping the modern NFL. Dan’s creation of the “Rooney Rule,” which requires teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching jobs, is just one example of his lasting influence. Meanwhile, Art Rooney Jr., another of Art Sr.’s sons, served as the team’s personnel director and was instrumental in building the Steelers’ legendary 1970s roster.
Today, Art Rooney II, Dan’s son, serves as the team’s president and primary representative at NFL owners’ meetings. Under his leadership, the Steelers have continued to thrive, making multiple playoff runs and maintaining the family’s reputation for stability. He’s also carried on their philanthropic tradition. For instance, in 2022, the Steelers’ “Social Justice Grant” program awarded grants to local organizations focused on education, community building, and criminal justice reform. The program reflects the Rooney family’s longstanding commitment to community engagement and social responsibility, aligning with the values that Art Rooney Sr. originally instilled in the franchise.
The Rooneys didn’t just inherit a team—they inherited roles with purpose. Their success is a case study in how family governance, succession planning, and role clarity can preserve both wealth and legacy across generations. It’s even more impressive when you consider that the Rooneys’ wealth is deeply tied to the team, not diversified across industries—showing that stewardship can trump expansion when done well.
The Hunt Family—Kansas City Chiefs
The Hunt family’s story is one of reinvention and diversification. Lamar Hunt, the son of oil tycoon H.L. Hunt, bought the Kansas City Chiefs in 1960 and transformed the family from oil magnates into sports moguls. From the beginning, Lamar thought big. He founded the American Football League (AFL) and played a key role in its merger with the NFL, reshaping the landscape of American football. He also coined the term “Super Bowl” and helped launch Major League Soccer (MLS) and World Championship Tennis.
Today, Lamar’s son, Clark Hunt, serves as the Chairman and CEO of the Kansas City Chiefs. Under his leadership, the Chiefs have become one of the NFL’s most valuable franchises, growing over 500% in value since he took over. Clark’s business acumen and brand stewardship have turned the Chiefs into a global powerhouse, while his oversight of Hunt Sports Group—which manages FC Dallas (MLS) and other ventures—showcases the family’s diversified interests.
The Hunt family’s success lies in their ability to honor their legacy while embracing innovation. They have taken risks, challenged norms, and built institutions, demonstrating how a family can use wealth as a platform for growth and impact. Like the Rooneys, the Hunts also have a penchant for philanthropy. The Chiefs host an annual preseason game which raises funds for local children’s charities. The Hunt Family Foundation then selects a beneficiary, focusing on organizations that improve the lives of children in the Kansas City area through health, wellness, and education initiatives. This event not only raises significant funds but also brings community awareness to important causes, reflecting the Hunt family’s dedication to community service and social responsibility.
Common Traits of Successful NFL Families
Both the Rooney and Hunt families share common traits that have contributed to their success:
Takeaways for Wealth Builders
The stories of the Rooney and Hunt families offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to build and preserve wealth across generations:
Many families create meaningful wealth through entrepreneurship and other means, but often see it diminished by the third generation. Yet, the success of these NFL families is in creating a legacy that endures. The Rooneys and Hunts show that with the right playbook—one that focuses on values, governance, and strategic vision—any wealth creator can ensure their family carries success forward. By blending tradition with innovation, they can turn their teams into dynasties that will continue to thrive for generations to come.
- Adam Sansiveri
- Senior Managing Director