On Friday, Steelers of past and present including de facto starting quarterback Mason Rudolph appeared with President Donald Trump at a rally just south of Pittsburgh.
After a weekend of receiving complaints, the team is trying to quash fans’ concerns by emailing them a letter Monday in which the team acknowledged the outrage while reminding them of players’ ability to express their opinions.
“We understand that a recent rally in Pittsburgh has generated a range of reactions from our fan base,” the letter said. “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.”
A Steelers spokesperson confirmed to Front Office Sports that the team sent an email to fans and season-ticket holders “who expressed their concern.”
In addition to Rudolph, safety Miles Killebrew and former running back Rocky Bleier (who won four Super Bowls with the franchise) also joined Trump onstage. The trio presented him with a Steelers jersey with Trump’s name on it and the No. 47 on the back.
Rudolph is the team’s current starting quarterback as the Steelers await word from Aaron Rodgers on whether he’ll join the team. Steelers legendary quarterback Terry Bradshaw, who played with Bleier in Pittsburgh, has called the team’s pursuit of Rodgers “a joke.”
While onstage together, Trump acknowledged Rudolph’s current quarterback purgatory and predicted he will ultimately start under center.
“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 of Rudolph.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Steelers letter.
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