Steelers reply to fans angered by players' Trump rally appearance
Should the Pittsburgh Steelers "shut up and..." huddle?
Quarterback Mason Rudolph, special teamer Miles Killebrew and former Steelers running back Rocky Bleier did not heed Fox News host Laura Ingraham's advice when they all appeared on stage at President Donald Trump's rally just outside of Pittsburgh last Friday.
The decision by the two active players and a team alum to make appearances at the president's weekend rally – where they presented him with a Steelers No. 47 jersey featuring Trump's name on the back – angered many Steelers fans and season-ticket holders. The backlash from fans was significant enough to prompt an official response from the team.
Pittsburgh sent a formal letter to those fans in the form of an email on Monday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. It read:
"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.
"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."
It is not the first time that former Steelers players have been outspoken about their support for the president. Former Pittsburgh wide receiver Antonio Brown and his former teammate, running back Le'Veon Bell, appeared at another Trump rally outside of Pittsburgh in October, weeks before Election Day.
In contrast, the Rooney family, the Steelers' team owners, have long been supporters of the Democratic Party. Current Steelers principal owner Art Rooney II's father, Dan, served as the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland from 2009 to 2012, having been appointed by President Barack Obama.