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The Pittsburgh Steelers have issued a response to fans who voiced their displeasure regarding the attendance of some current and former players at a recent rally for President Donald Trump. The event took place last Friday in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, just 11 miles southwest of Pittsburgh.

Among the attendees were Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph, safety Miles Killebrew, and former running back Rocky Bleier. During the rally, the trio presented Trump with a custom Pittsburgh Steelers jersey, bearing the number 47 and Trump's name on the back. This gesture sparked criticism from some of the team's fans and season-ticket holders.

In a formal letter emailed to fans on Monday, the Steelers acknowledged the mixed reactions provoked by the players' actions. The team reiterated that the players were acting on their individual beliefs and not representing the organization as a whole. "We understand that a recent rally in Pittsburgh has generated a range of reactions from our fan base," the letter read, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "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."

During the rally, Trump invited Rocky Bleier, a four-time Super Bowl champion who played 11 seasons with the Steelers, to join him on stage. Following Bleier, Trump called up Mason Rudolph, commending him to the crowd. Lastly, Trump introduced Miles Killebrew with similar praise.

This is not the first instance of Steelers players showing their political leanings. Last October, former wide receiver Antonio Brown and former running back Le'Veon Bell appeared at a Trump rally in the Pittsburgh area, endorsing the president ahead of the Election Day.