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Denny’s artwork and painting of former Pittsburgh Steeler, Andy Russell’s new book makes the latest issue of the Steeler Digest. In the article, Andy discusses his newest book titled “Beyond The Goalpost,” a tribute to his history-making relationship with the Steelers and their fans throughout his career. What an honor to share his legacy through his art!
Visit the Steeler Digest website. |
Archive for the ‘Steelers’ Category
Tuesday, August 17th, 2010
Monday, June 14th, 2010
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L.C. Greenwood was part of the four Super Bowl teams from the 1970’s. He was also one of the original Steel Curtain members. L. C. was a 10th-round draft choice out of Arkansas AM&N in 1969 and became a starter in 1971 when he led the team in QB sacks with 8-1/2, the first of four times he accomplished this feat. He was second on the Steelers career sack list with 73-1/2. He was exceptionally quick and at 6′ 6-1/2″ was very difficult to block and with DT Joe Greene and LB Jam Ham formed an impregnable left side of the Steel Curtain. L. C. was a great big game player in Supper Bowl IX against Minnesota where he knocked down three of Fran Tarkenton’s passes. In Super Bowl X, he sacked Roger Staubach three times. Greenwood was named to the 1970’s NFL Team of Decade and was voted to more all NFL teams in the 1970’s than any other DE. L. C. was named to the Pro Bowl 6 times, a member of the 75th Silver Anniversary Super Bow Team, spent 13 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers and was nominated to the Pro Football Hall of Fame 16 times.
L.C. was often seen sitting along the Steeler bench with the infamous towel over his head. But the thing that really made L.C. as a stand out other than his shear tenacity on the field was his Steeler gold shoes! You could pick him out anywhere on the playing field. By the NFL rules, a player cannot wear anything other than the team issued shoes. L.C. told me, back in the day, Nike paid the fines so he could wear those famous shoes. This is a commission piece that I did for Art Rooney, Jr., owner of the Steelers. Here is a photograph at the luncheon that Mr. Rooney had for L.C. and I. It was at the famous Piccolina’s Italian Restaurant in Pittsburgh. Mr. Rooney unveiled my new portraits of L.C. and Donnie Shell.
The painting was made into a collector card which is a limited edition of 1000.
The painting is traditional oils on Museum-grade Ampersand, Gessobord Masonite. The overall size is 16″ x 20″. This piece is SOLD. |
Monday, June 14th, 2010
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Donnie Shell was part of the four Super Bowl teams from the 1970’s. He was also one of the original Steel Curtain members. Shell was one of the greatest undrafted free agents in NFL history. He came to the Steelers in 1974 after a stellar career at South Carolina State as a linebacker and safety. In his first three seasons, he was one of the best special teams players in the NFL. In 1977, he became a full-time starter and led the team in interceptions four times. Donnie was the first strong safety in NFL history to intercept 50 passes and still holds the NFL record for career interceptions with 51. During his 14 seasons, he made the Pro Bowl five consecutive times and was a standout on four Super Bowl winning teams. As a team captain, he was a great leader with his hard-hitting physical style of play. Donnie was nominated to the Pro Football Hall of Fame nine times.
This is a commission piece that I did for Art Rooney, Jr., owner of the Steelers. The painting was made into a collector card, which is a limited edition of 1000. The painting is traditional oils on Museum-grade Masonite. The overall size is 16″ x 20″. This piece is SOLD.
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Monday, October 19th, 2009
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In October 2009, Denny had the privilege of creating all the cover graphics for former Pittsburgh Steeler, Andy Russell’s new book titled Beyond The Goalpost. Denny’s oil painting of Andy was featured along with a photograph of Three Rivers Stadium taken by photographer, David B. King from Washington D.C. The foreword was written by the famous Hall of Fame member, running back and former Pittsburgh Steeler, Franco Harris.
The back cover features this famous photograph of Former Steeler Linebackers, Jack Ham, Jack Lambert and Andy Russell. This photograph was taken to showcase what is still an NFL Record. These three linebackers went to 24 Pro Bowls!
This is Andy’s third book. The inside front cover flap reads in his own words: Andy has always been attracted to athletic challenge, adventure and possibly even danger. In this book Andy tries to understand what it was that drove him as a young child, and to recall who were his mentors and especially ask himself why he was so driven to pursue what many would consider dangerous sporting activities – for example: professional football, mountain climbing, wilderness canoeing, cave exploring, and scuba diving. In some ways this book could be considered a biography as Andy tries to tell his children, grandchildren, dear friends and the Steelers Nation (fans/readers) how he thinks about life, how lucky he has been, and what a positive influence they have all been. If one can write his legacy this book would be his attempt to understand himself. Andy explains how football has been such a primary force in his life and he has included many stories about the Steelers amazing transformation from a consistent loser in the 60’s to the incredibly successful 70’s. Football also provided Andy with the opportunity to travel around the world five years in a row, giving football clinics, making motivational speeches and personal appearances. During those trips he and his partner Sam Zacharias pursued their investment business, finding investors on the other side of our planet. Andy describes how he feels forever blessed to have had such an opportunity, all brought about by his football experience.
Beyond The Goalpost is preceded by A Steeler Odyssey published in 1998 and followed by An Odd Steeler Journey three years later. |
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
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Before you scroll on down to see my Steeler pieces, I want to post this commission piece requested by Art Rooney, Jr, son of Art Rooney, Sr. This one is special, to say the least. This is Hall of Famer, Art Rooney, Sr., aka “The Chief.” Recently Art Rooney Jr. has written one fantastic book about the life and times of his father and the Rooney Family. It is titled “Ruanaidh.” The strange-looking title (pronounced Ru-ah-nee) is the Gaelic word for Rooney. This is a “ten-years in-the-making” masterpiece! Many of my Steeler portraits are printed though out this 483 page book. The inside cover art is graced by several fantastic portraits that have been done of “The Chief.” In the group, there are several portraits from my predecessor, the late, great Merv Corning, a fantastic local Pittsburgh artist, Dino Guarino, the famous sports artist LeRoy Neiman and lastly Art Rooney Jr’s cousin, Kathy Rooney, (http://www.krooney.net/) who is not only laid out the whole piece, but has her great portrait of “The Chief” included as well. What an honor to have been asked to have my work appear in such fine, fine company. I am truly humbled.
This is my pencil version of Art Rooney, Jr’s father, “The Chief.” – Denny
Here is the link to the Art Rooney, Jr. website: http://www.artrooneyjr.com/
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
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Dan Rooney has spent 50-plus seasons in various capacities with the family-owned Steelers. He was appointed team president in 1975. He has implemented a philosophy and management style that emphasizes open, practical and efficient management. Dan joins father Art Rooney, Sr. as the second father-son combination in the Hall of Fame. He was an integral part of one of the modern era’s most successful franchises, and has helped guide the Pittsburgh Steelers to six Super Bowls. As of 2009, Dan has taken the prestigious position as the Ambassador to Ireland. Dan’s son Art Rooney II has now taken over the reins of the Pittsburgh Steelers. |
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
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This is Troy Polamalu. To date, this is the highest profile commission that I have had to do. For some of you “Die-hard Steeler Fans,” you already know who Troy Polamalu is. For those of you who do not, Troy is one of the hardest working, most talented players to play the game of football. He just re-signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Troy was the 16th overall choice in the draft a few years ago. He received a five-year, $8.275 million contract. There is also a total of $3.2 million in performance incentives over the course of the contract that could push the potential value to $11.475 million! This makes him the highest paid strong safety in the entire league! In my opinion, no one deserves this more than this young man. Visually, there is no mistaking #43 on the field and no one covers a playing field like Troy, no one!
Leigh and I had the opportunity to interview Aaron Smith. He is a “gentleman’s gentleman.” We did an interview with him back in the first week of June when I was asked by the “Steeler Front Office” to draw and paint Troy’s portrait first to hang in the up-coming 75th Steeler Anniversary Show at the John Heinz History Museum. This is first of two sets of portraits that I am scheduled to do of Troy. This first piece is being drawn from one fantastic photograph that I bought from a national image source company. The photograph was taken last year at Denver’s Stadium. As I scanned through hundreds of photos of Troy, I knew the very second that I laid eyes on this shot, it was “THE” one! Those who have seen this so far say he has all the looks of a “Warrior.” I totally agree… he is the “Steel Warrior,” as Leigh calls him.
Oil Painting Measures: 18″ x 24″ Pencil Measures: 10″ x 16″ |
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
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Here are the three Russell pieces. The first being the “traditional oil” of Andy. The size is 16″ x 20″. The original was painted on Masonite. Secondly, is the “collector card” for Mr. Rooney’s collection of former “Steeler Greats.” Not only is this art used for on the collector cards, it was also enlarged to poster size for future prints. Lastly is the “pencil study” which is 12″ x 16″.
The 16th round draft choice, Andy Russell #34, began his NFL career as an outside linebacker and was one of the few “Steeler warriors” who actually stuck it out in the early days to witness and play a huge role in the formation and ultimate success of the famous “Steel Curtain” defense that led the Steelers into two consecutive Super Bowl Championships in the 1974 and 1975 seasons. That same stick-to-it-ness in football led Russell to phenomenal success in the business world when he opened and managed an investment firm, even as he was still playing football. Russell credits his successes to his talented teammates and business associates. Russell’s $1,000 per game “rookie” salary seemed like a fortune back in 1974 but he was talented and savvy enough to diversify his business talents and money in other venues that led to his business success off the field as well.
Russell’s first stint during the early 60’s with the Steelers led to many lost games so much so that the team was referred to as “S.O.S. – Same Old Steelers.” Fans simply expected “more of the same” after years of defeat. Russell left the Steelers briefly in 1964 briefly and after a tour of duty in the military, Russell returned in 1966 and persevered with the team until the 1974 season for a “new game and new look,” the new look that led the Steelers down the path of Champions earning the team a new respect and status from its fans and the entire NFL.
Over the course of Russell’s 12-year career as a Steeler, he made Pro Bowl selection seven times, was named the Steeler MVP in 1971, was the Steelers’ team captain for 10 years (1967-1976) and was credited with a two-time consecutive Super Bowl Championship in 1974 and 1975. “One for the thumb” had special meaning to this “true to the heart” Steeler player and fan when the Pittsburgh Steelers were led into their 5th Super Bowl Championship in 2006. In recent years, Russell authored two well-received books, A Steeler Odyssey (1998) and An Odd Steelers Journey (2002). |
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
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Jack Butler never played high school football. He attended a seminary to study for the Catholic priesthood. Later, he instead pursued another vocation but truly did not foresee what the future held for him. While attending St. Bonaventure University in Olean, NY, the Athletic Director approached Jack about trying out for the varsity football squad. The Director recalled playing sand lot football with Jack’s father back in Pittsburgh, PA. He told Jack that his dad was a fine player and maybe young Jack had inherited some of that talent from his dad. That Athletic Director was Father Silas of St. Bonaventure.
Father Silas — also known as Dan Rooney — was the brother of Art Rooney, Sr. “The Chief” — owner of the NFL team The Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jack Butler developed into a fine defensive end and receiver. He was called by the Steelers for a try-out. At that time, the Steelers still played the single wing offense. Butler ended up as a defensive end. He proved himself to be a gifted athlete and a very tough one too. Near the end of that 1950 season, injuries to a teammate forced Butler to move into the defensive backfield. In the short time left to play that season, number “80″ played so well that he then assumed that position and prevailed for the next eight years. Jack Butler was All Pro, named to the Pro Bowl four times; intercepted 10 passes in one season, four of them in one game; filled in as a wide receiver and scored a couple of touchdowns. He was the second leading pass interceptor in the NFL at that time with a total of 52, all achieved in only 8 years of play. His brilliant career ended after a crippling knee injury in his ninth season. Later, Butler was named to the NFL 1950’s “Team of the Decade.” He was also named one of the top 300 players to have ever played in the NFL, the “All NFL First 50-Years” team, and the “All-Time Steeler Team.” Following his playing days with the Steelers, Butler coached with the Buffalo Bills and the Pittsburgh Steelers. His leg injury cut short an NFL coaching career. He became a Steeler talent scout for a few years before joining the newly created Blesto Scouting Group.
After a year or two, Jack became the Director of the organization and later its’ President. He has scouted or influenced the scouting of over 30,000 college football players to date. Nearing his retirement, these three portraits of number “80″ commemorate his brilliant career in the NFL as a player, coach, scout and executive. He has been married to his wife, Bernadette, for over 50 years. They have 8 children and numerous grand children. Jack Butler is honored as an exceptional athlete and truly as “A Man For All Seasons.” – Art Rooney, Jr
This collector card (which is actually poster size) will be hanging in the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, starting in November 2007, to commemorate the Pittsburgh Steelers 75th anniversary. |
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
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There have been numerous instances in NFL history where a very good player is overlooked because he toils for a very bad team. This, however, was not the case for Ernie Stautner.
During his 14-year career, all with the Steelers, Stautner never played for a winning team. He did, however, have no problem gaining attention for his stellar play. Undersized for a defensive lineman, Stautner was incredibly persistent and tough as nails. He would beat on a player until he would eventually wear him down. Though Stautner never won any championships with the Steelers, he made enough of an impact to be selected Pro Bowl 9 times and be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1969, his first year of eligibility. Throughout his playing career, which spanned 14 years, Stautner played in nine Pro Bowls and missed just six games. He remains the only player in Steelers franchise history to have his jersey number retired and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 1969.
Though Stautner never won any championships with the Steelers, he made enough of an impact to be selected Pro Bowl 9 times and be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1969, his first year of eligibility. Throughout his playing career, which spanned 14 years, Stautner played in nine Pro Bowls and missed just six games. He remains the only player in Steelers franchise history to have his jersey number retired and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 1969.
Drafted out of Boston College in the third-round in 1950, Stautner was a member of the Steelers long before their dominance in the 1970s. Though he played at just 6 feet 1 inch, 230 pounds, Stautner retired as the NFL leader in safeties and ranked third in fumble recoveries. While undersized for his position, Stautner was known around the league for his blue collar work ethic and non-stop energy. “Ernie’s physical and relentless style of play helped the Steelers earn a reputation for being one of the NFL’s toughest teams in the 1950s,” Rooney said. “He was undersized for his position, but his strength and power were among his greatest assets.” After retiring as a player, Stautner joined the Dallas Cowboys as an assistant coach. He helped coach the team to two Super Bowl titles in 1971 and 1977. Stautner is credited with developing some of the greatest defensive lineman in Cowboy’s history, including Randy White and Ed “Too Tall” Jones. Stautner also served as an assistant with the Steelers, Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos. |
