DeBartolo is more than a name—it’s a legacy. Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr.’s, lifetime of accomplishments as an NFL team owner, entrepreneur, businessman and positive role model—both on the job and in the community—has created unrivaled sports franchise dynasties, revamped cities, revolutionized industries and revitalized communities.

Throughout his diverse career, Mr. DeBartolo, Jr., has proven his ability not only to succeed, but to reinvent the industries within which he operates. He is best known as the legendary owner of the San Francisco 49ers during the winningest decade in football history. During his 23-year ownership and management of the team, the 49ers won 12 division titles and an NFL-record five Super Bowl Championships – Super Bowl XVI (1981), Super Bowl XIX (’84), Super Bowl XXIII (’88), Super Bowl XXIV (’89) and Super Bowl XXIX (’94). To help accomplish these amazing feats, in 1979 Mr. DeBartolo made one of his most visionary decisions ever by hiring head coach Bill Walsh, who later went on to revolutionize football with the development of the “West Coast Offense” and earn a spot in the NFL Hall of Fame.

Known by many simply as “Mr. D,” he earned a reputation among his coaches, players and front office staff as the most generous owner in NFL history. Regarded as one of the nation’s top sports executives, he was honored by Football News as its 1989 NFL Man of the Year. In 2008, DeBartolo was the first non-athlete or coach to be inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame for his “extraordinary impact on the sports history of the Bay Area.” He was also inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. Early on, DeBartolo’s work propelled DeBartolo Realty Corporation to become part of the largest public real estate company in North America. His days as a professional sports team owner also led to back-to-back Stanley Cups as owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991-1992. Today, he continues the DeBartolo tradition of success in real estate while redefining amateur sports training, professional athlete representation and hospitality experiences.

But his passion for helping people in the community demonstrates the trademark generosity that has become part of the DeBartolo legacy. The DeBartolo name is a hallmark of community partnership, as evidenced by the scores of awards, leadership roles and charitable contributions in his name. His efforts have transformed the lives of countless students, families, athletes and disabled citizens across the country.

Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, DeBartolo resides in Tampa, Fla., with his wife Candy. They have three adult daughters, Lisa Marie, Tiffanie Lynne, Nicole Anne and grandsons, Asher and Milo.