PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday as U.S. ambassador to Ireland.

But despite his new job, Rooney still showed up at Steelers headquarters in Pittsburgh's South Side right on time on Friday morning.

Video: Ambassador Rooney Still A Steeler - For Now

The Pittsburgh Steelers are the only employer Rooney has ever known; he's been working for them since 1955. While he knows his time here has to end soon, he told Channel 4 Action News' Ari Hait, he's still an employee.

Just like he's done for more than 50 years, Rooney reported for work on Friday at the Steelers training facility on the South Side.

"It is an honor to receive this situation. I'm really so proud to receive this from President Obama," Rooney said.

Rooney has already agreed to step down as chairman of the Steelers. His son, Art Rooney, said team operations will not change.

There's also a challenge for the Steelers and for Steelers fans who, for the first time in more than 50 years, will enter a season without Dan Rooney, who is perhaps the most popular owner in sports.

Rooney has not said exactly when he will be stepping down or when he will officially head to Ireland.

Rooney Confirmed By Voice Vote

Rooney's nomination was approved by voice vote.

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey issued the following statement:

"I am very pleased that the U.S. Senate has confirmed my friend Dan Rooney to be ambassador to Ireland. This speedy confirmation will allow Dan Rooney to get to work as a bridge between the United States and Ireland. In the Steelers loss the United States gains a humble and knowledgeable public servant."

Rooney has promised to make that bridge between the two countries as heavily trafficked as possible. During his confirmation hearing, Rooney promised to encourage American corporations to invest in Ireland and encourage Irish companies to do the same in the US.

"I just look forward to the challenge that's in front of us," Rooney said.

Rooney was a lifelong Republican who backed President Barack Obama over Hillary Rodham Clinton during Pennsylvania's presidential primary last year. He later campaigned for Obama in western Pennsylvania and helped him win the state in November.

In the 1970s, he helped found the American Ireland Fund, an organization that has raised millions for advocacy of peace and education in Ireland.

Rooney's father, Arthur J. Rooney, founded the Steelers in 1933. Dan Rooney took over the presidency of the team in 1975 and is a Hall of Fame owner. His Steelers won the Super Bowl this year.

The "Rooney Rule," which requires any team with a head coaching vacancy to interview at least one minority candidate, was developed by an NFL committee Rooney chaired. Rooney has also participated in labor negotiations between the league and players.

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