Steelers respond to angry fans regarding players' appearance at Donald Trump rally

The Pittsburgh Steelers responded to fans and season-ticket holders upset by the personal appearances of quarterback Mason Rudolph and special teams ace Miles Killebbrew at last Friday’s Pittsburgh rally put on by President Donald Trump. The organization sent an email, which was obtained by The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, with a five-sentence statement addressing Rudolph and Killebrew’s presence at last weekend’s rally in support of U.S. Steel’s pending merger with Japan-based Nippon Steel.

The Steelers — run by the Rooney family who are longtime supporters of the Democratic party — made clear Rudolph and Killebrew appeared at the Trump rally of their own volition and their personal political views “do not necessarily represent the view of the entire Pittsburgh Steelers organization.”

“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 Steelers emailed statement read, according to the 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.”

The Post-Gazette revealed the appearance of the two Steelers players as well as former running back Rocky Bleier, a member of the Steelers’ Hall of Honor, was also not arranged through the organization.

This isn’t the first time former Steelers players stood in support of Trump, after former stars Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown attended a pre-election Trump rally last October.

President Donald Trump predicts Mason Rudolph will get ‘big shot’ as Steelers QB

Evidently, President Donald Trump doesn’t think the Pittsburgh Steelers need to pick up another quarterback this offseason. At a rally in Pittsburgh on Friday, Trump praised Steelers QB Mason Rudolph while introducing him.

“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. I have a feeling he’s going to be the guy, so Mason Rudolph, come up here.”

With a smile, Rudolph took the stage and gave Trump a firm handshake. As of this report, Rudolph is in position to be the Steelers’ starting quarterback next season.

The Steelers are reportedly interested in signing veteran QB Aaron Rodgers, but the further the offseason progresses, the less likely it appears for a deal to be made.

— On3’s Grant Grubbs contributed to this report.