The Pittsburgh Steelers have sent a letter to fans who reached out and were angry about Steelers players attending a rally for President Donald Trump last week, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Quarterback Mason Rudolph and special teams captain Miles Killebrew attended the rally in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania on Friday.
Trump held the rally to discuss a new partnership that will keep U.S. Steel in Pennsylvania and will double the rate of tariffs on foreign steel.
According to the Post-Gazette, the letter to upset season ticket holders said that current and former Steelers players “make their own individual decisions” and do not necessarily represent the views of the organization.
President Trump gave a shoutout to both Rudolph and Killebrew during the rally and called the two on stage. In addition to Rudolph and Killebrew, former Steelers running back Rocky Bleier also attended the rally and declared that Trump is an “honorary Steeler” and “Hall of Fame president.”
Some Steelers fans reacted with angry messages on social media and with emails to the organization after the appearance by the players.
Here is the full letter that was sent to Steelers fans, according to the Post-Gazette:
"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.”
While Rocky Bleier had praise for Donald Trump, it was Trump who praised Rudolph and said that he expects him to be “the guy” for the Steelers this year.
“I happen to think a really good quarterback is a man named Mason Rudolph,“Donald Trump said. ”And I think he’s going to get a big shot. He’s tall, he’s handsome, got a great arm. And I have a feeling he’s going to be the guy. So Mason Rudolph, come up here."