While this year’s team is currently focused on beating the Jets with Russell Wilson making his first start for the team in 2024, there’s been some more controversial narratives surrounding the NFL franchise that has nothing to do with the current roster.
Earlier this week, rumors began to surface that former president Donald Trump — who is the Republican nominee for the upcoming election in early November —will be attending the Steelers home game against the Jets on Sunday night.
Burt Lautner, a spokesperson for the Pittsburgh Steelers, took to social media to let fans attending the game there will be extra security measures in place.
“With former President Trump expected to attend Sunday night’s game as a guest of an individual suite owner, we are working with the secret service and local authorities to ensure the safety and security of all our fans.”
“As always, we will work to make the fan experience the same as it always is for every Steelers’ game at Acrisure Stadium. We encourage fans to arrive early to the parking lots and to the gates so they can enjoy our pregame experience and celebrations that will honor the 50th anniversary of our Super Bowl IX team.”
While it’s not surprising for Trump to be attending a high-profile NFL game in a state that’s highly important to win the 2024 election, there’s been a surprising twist linking the Steelers to the former president.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers Stars Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell Speak At Donald Trump Rally Saturday
In a wild twist, one former Steelers’ WR who never shies away from the limelight made headlines on Saturday, when he took the stage at Trump’s rally and spoke, giving an endorsement to the former president.
Antonio Brown has had an interesting career since abruptly retiring during the middle of an NFL game for his last team, the Buccaneers, often making controversial remarks on social media.
And on Saturday, the former All-Pro Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver spoke on stage during a rally for presidential candidate Donald Trump in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
Brown, who wore a shirt featuring a MAGA-themed version of the Steelers’ logo, referred to vice presidential candidate and Minnesota governor Tim Walz as “Tampon Tim.”
Brown also said that Walz “could never guard me” on the football field, much to the delight of the crowd.
“I know the media is going to call me and Trump crazy for having me speaking here,” Brown said at the rally. “But I want to make this clear. We are not. They are.”
Brown was joined by another former Pittsburgh Steelers star, former running back Le’Veon Bell, who also appeared on stage at the rally.
Trump made headlines earlier this month when he attended Georgia’s game against Alabama in Tuscaloosa, watching the game from a press box and waving at fans in the crowd.
With Election Day only a few short weeks away, candidates on each side are doing what they can to sway voters at the last minute. Walz recently toured Lambeau Field in Green Bay, and the governor is a former high school football coach.
While Mike Tomlin and the 2024 Steelers will be focused on getting to (5-2) with a win over the struggling New York Jets on Sunday night, there’s clearly plenty of attention surrounding Trump’s connection with the team ahead of the matchup.
