The Pittsburgh Steelers sent a letter in response to upset fans who reached out to the organization about current and former players attending a rally for President Donald Trump last Friday, according to multiple reports.
Quarterback Mason Rudolph, safety Miles Killebrew and former Steelers running back Rocky Bleier attended the president’s rally in West Mifflin, Pa., a town 11 miles southwest of Pittsburgh. The trio presented Trump with a No. 47 Steelers jersey with Trump’s name on the back, which stirred up displeasure among some fans and season-ticket holders.
In the formal letter from the Steelers, sent via email Monday, the team acknowledged the fan outrage while expressing each player’s ability to convey their own opinion, per reports.
“We understand that a recent rally in Pittsburgh has generated a range of reactions from our fan base,” the letter said, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “Our alumni and current players make their own individual decisions that reflect their views, and they do not necessarily represent the view of the entire Pittsburgh Steelers organization. We appreciate your passion and your continued support of the team.”
Trump first called up Bleier, a four-time Super Bowl champion with the Steelers who played 11 seasons in Pittsburgh, to the stage. He was followed by Rudolph, who received praise from Trump and attendees at the rally, before Trump announced Killebrew.
“I think he’s gonna get a big shot, he’s tall, he’s handsome, got a great arm, and I have a feeling he’s gonna be the guy,” Trump said, referring to Rudolph.
Pittsburgh’s players have a history of sharing their political views. Former wide receiver Antonio Brown and former running back Le’Veon Bell appeared at a Trump rally outside of Pittsburgh in October, citing their support for Trump weeks before Election Day.
(Photo: Jeff Swensen / Getty Images)
