Steelers fans will be split after Mason Rudolph, Miles Killebrew and Rocky Bryer attend Trump rally and present their jerseys to the president.
Why did the Steelers give Trump a jersey?
Three Pittsburgh Steelers figures – quarterback Mason Rudolph, special team captain Mileski Review and former running back Rocky Brier took part in the Donald Trump Rally in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania last Friday, sparking controversy among fans.
During the event, they present Trump with a personalized Steelers No. 47 jersey, calling him an “honorary steeler” and “the president of the Hall of Fame.”
The rally, held at the US Steel’s Irvin Works Facility, celebrated a $14 billion steel deal between US Steel and Nippon Steel. But for some Steelers fans, the focus has shifted quickly from economics to politics.
Why are Steelers fans upset by Trump’s rally?
Many fans have sent social media and emailed voiced their frustration over the player’s appearances, particularly at political events involving President Donald Trump. The Steelers organization has confirmed that it has received many complaints.
In response, the team issued a statement to confuse fans and confuse season ticket holders.
“We understand that recent gatherings in Pittsburgh have generated mixed reactions from our fanbase. Alumni and current players make their own decisions that reflect their views and do not necessarily represent the views of the Pittsburgh Steelers organization as a whole.”
Team spokesman Burt Lauten confirmed Pittsburgh Post Gazette This message was sent directly to fans who contacted the franchise.
Mason Rudolf Trump Rally Response
Rudolf dealt with the backlash during this week’s teamworkout, attended and defended his decision to emphasize freedom of speech.
“There’s a backlash every day… that’s the nature of social media,” Rudolph said. “That’s why America is so great. Everyone has the right to receive their opinions. Speech is free. The course is par.”
Rudolph is currently the first on the Steelers quarterback depth chart, but speculation continues that the team could add talent from veterans, including Aaron Rodgers.
Why did Miles Kylebrew attend the Trump rally?
Miles Kylebrew, the team captain of the Pro Bowl special team, told reporters that meeting the US president was a lifelong dream.
He explained that he met the president he was sitting in and hopes that he would later hope for an opportunity to share the moment with his children.
Kyrebrew did not extensively comment on the political aspects of the event, but framed his appearance as personal rather than political.
Who was the rocky Briar and why was he involved?
Four-time Super Bowl champion and Vietnamese veteran Rocky Brier also appeared on stage with Trump. He unveiled his jersey and praised the former president during the event.
Briar’s long-standing reputation as a military service and Steelers icon has been particularly noteworthy to fans for his presence in the rally.
Are the Steelers the political team?
While current and former players have been praised for their personal views, the Rooney family, who own the Steelers, have historically supported democratic politicians.
The late Dan Rooney was the US ambassador to Ireland, particularly under former President Barack Obama, and was a supporter of a democratic cause.
The team’s recent statements seek to derive clear lines between the individual players’ personal political actions and the official organization’s stance.
Can NFL players participate in political events?
yes. NFL players are civilians and can express political events, support candidates, or express political opinions, as protected by the First Amendment.
However, such behavior often carries public perception risks, especially when it is performed when representing a well-known sports brand.
In this case, the Steelers jersey presentation at political gatherings blurred the line between personal expression and team support, prompting team clarity.
