Pittsburgh Steelers speak out after players spark fan meltdown at Donald Trump rally
The president spoke at the US Steel plant in Pennsylvania on Friday, where he was joined on stage by quarterback Mason Rudolph and safety Miles Killebrew, as well as former running back Rocky Bleier.
Bleier, who helped the Steelers win four Super Bowls during in the 1970s, presented Trump with a personalized No 47 jersey. He also branded the president an 'honorary Steeler' and a 'Hall of Fame president'.
It did not go down well with some Steelers fans, who complained to the NFL team. And Pittsburgh responded by emailing those supporters, insisting the views of Rudolph and Co do not necessarily reflect those of the franchise.
'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 letter said, as reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
'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.'
Both Rudolph and Killebrew spoke out in the wake of the fan backlash, with the quarterback insisting: 'That's the nature of social media... that's the nature of why America is so great. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Speech is free. Par for the course.'
Killebrew was also 'unapologetic' about appearing alongside Trump. He said, per the Post-Gazette: 'I got the chance to meet the sitting U.S. president. I'm not apologetic about that.
Killebrew added: 'I'll be able to sit down with my kids when they're learning about the president and say: "Hey, dad met that guy." For anybody who thinks that's a bad thing, to be honest, I couldn't care less.'
Both players spoke at the rally, with Killebrew telling the crowd: 'How about this president of ours, huh? Just wanted to say God bless you, President Trump, and God bless you, Pittsburgh. Thank you.'
He later added on social media: 'Excited for the Billions of dollars coming for the production of US Steel right here in Pennsylvania... Hard working Steel workers make me proud to be called a Steeler.'
The Steelers are owned by the Rooney family. Late chairman Dan Rooney was a lifelong Republican until he was appointed US Ambassador to Ireland by Barack Obama.
Back in October, Trump headed to Acrisure Stadium to watch the Steelers face the Jets. He was greeted by chants of 'U-S-A', while a supporter invaded the field holding a pro-Trump and anti-Kamala Harris sign.
On Friday, Trump heaped praise on both Rudolph and Killebrew, calling the safety a 'killer' and tipping Rudolph to be the Steelers' quarterback.
'I happen to think a really good quarterback is a man named Mason Rudolph,' Trump said. 'I think he's going to get a big shot. He's tall. He's handsome. He's got a great arm. And I have a feeling he's gonna be the guy.'
Ahead of last year's election, former Steelers players Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell attended a rally to endorse Trump.
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