The Steelers responded to angry fans after the team received complaints about quarterback Mason Rudolph and special teams captain Miles Killebrew attending a rally held by President Donald Trump in West Mifflin, Penn., last week.
The appearance led to a swift reaction from fans and season ticket holders, and prompted the organization to send an email explaining that players, both former and current, “make their own individual decisions,” the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.
Trump had been in Pennsylvania for a rally at the U.S. Steel plant in West Mifflin, and former Steelers great Rocky Bleier also joined the trio on stage.
“We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us. As valued fans, your voice is an essential part of what makes our Steelers community and fan base so strong,” the email said. “We understand that a recent rally in Pittsburgh has generated a range of reactions from our fan base. 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.
“Thank you again for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your passion and your continued support of the team.”
Despite the Rooney family, which owns the Steelers, being strong Democratic supporters, several former Steelers players have appeared at rallies for the President.
In October, Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell were on hand at a Trump Rally in Latrobe, Penn.
Bleier called Trump a “Hall of Fame President” when he presented him with a custom No. 47 jersey during Friday’s rally and declared him an “honorary Steeler.”
Killebrew said on stage, “God bless you, President Trump,” when invited to speak by the President.
Trump invited all three Steelers to the stage and predicted Rudolph would be “the guy” for Pittsburgh while the team waits for Aaron Rodgers to make a decision.
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