Ohio Valley Ironmen - Ring of Honor

​Tom Keane was a pivotal figure in the history of the Wheeling Ironmen, a professional American football team based in Wheeling, West Virginia. Founded in 1962, the Ironmen competed in the United Football League (UFL) and later in the Continental Football League (CoFL).

Tom Keane's Early Life and Playing Career

Born on September 7, 1926, in Bellaire, Ohio, Keane attended the Linsly Military Institute in Wheeling, West Virginia. He began his collegiate football career at The Ohio State University in 1944, contributing to the Buckeyes' undefeated co-national championship team. After a 20-month tenure in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Keane transferred to West Virginia University (WVU), where he played as a two-way back in 1946 and 1947. ​

In the 1948 NFL Draft, Keane was selected in the third round by the Los Angeles Rams. His professional playing career spanned multiple teams, including the Rams, Dallas Texans, Baltimore Colts, and Chicago Cardinals. Notably, he was part of the Rams' 1951 NFL Championship team and earned All-Pro honors twice. ​

Coaching the Wheeling Ironmen

After retiring as a player, Keane transitioned into coaching. He served as an assistant coach for the Chicago Cardinals from 1957 to 1959. In 1962, he became the head coach of the newly formed Wheeling Ironmen in the UFL. Under his leadership, the Ironmen secured back-to-back league championships in their first two seasons (1962 and 1963), defeating the Grand Rapids Blazers and the Toledo Tornadoes, respectively.

Keane's coaching was instrumental in establishing the Ironmen as a formidable team in the league. His experience and leadership helped mold a team that brought pride to the Wheeling community. The Ironmen played their home games at Wheeling Island Stadium, becoming a local attraction and fostering a dedicated fan base. 

Later Career and Legacy

Following his tenure with the Ironmen, Keane continued his coaching career in the NFL. He served as an assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1965 before joining the Miami Dolphins in 1966. With the Dolphins, he held various coaching positions, including defensive backs coach and special teams coach, contributing to the team's perfect season in 1972. ​

Keane's contributions to football were recognized with inductions into the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference and Upper Ohio Valley Dapper Dan Halls of Fame. In 2018, he was posthumously inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame, honoring his impact on the sport at both the collegiate and professional levels.

Tom Keane's legacy is marked by his dedication to football, both as a player and a coach. His leadership of the Wheeling Ironmen during their championship years remains a significant chapter in the history of American football in the Ohio Valley region.​