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The Pittsburgh Steelers recently found themselves at the center of a political storm after quarterback Mason Rudolph and safety Miles Killebrew attended a rally hosted by President Trump. Their participation drew considerable backlash from fans and season-ticket holders, expressing their displeasure with the players' public alignment with the controversial figure. Even Steelers legend, Rocky Bleier, was in attendance at the event.

Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the reaction from fans was intense enough to necessitate an official response from the Steelers. The organization sent out an email to concerned fans, attempting to mitigate the situation and address their concerns directly. The email, published in full by Dulac, emphasized the importance of the fans' voices and acknowledged the mixed feelings generated by the rally.

"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 email began. The Steelers further clarified that the players' attendance at the rally reflected their personal views and did not represent the views of the organization as a whole.

While the Steelers organization itself has a long history of supporting the Democratic party, as evidenced by the late Dan Rooney's service as the U.S. ambassador to Ireland under President Barack Obama, they recognized the individual rights of their players and fans alike. The organization noted that the players have the freedom to make their own choices regarding such political events.

Ultimately, the Steelers stressed that their primary focus remains on winning football games. They highlighted this by referencing their ongoing pursuit of Aaron Rodgers, a player known for his outspoken political views. In a recent interview, Rodgers made his stance clear and even made a pointed comment about the previous president, demonstrating the team's willingness to look beyond political affiliations for the sake of strengthening their roster.

By addressing the matter head-on, the Steelers hope to mend any rifts within their fan base and maintain their commitment to unity and success on the football field.