Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph has commented publicly for the first time since appearing on stage with President Donald Trump Friday afternoon at U.S. Steel Irvin Works.
Rudolph was asked by reporters after OTAs on Tuesday if he was surprised by the backlash following in appearance on stage with teammate Miles Killebrew and four-time Super Bowl Champion Rocky Bleier.
“There’s backlash every day you look on social media,” said Rudolph. “That’s the nature of why America’s so great because everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Speech is free so, par for the course.”
Rudolph said it was a "fun experience" and the deal with U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel will "create jobs and bolster the Pittsburgh economy."
Bleier gave Trump a #47 personalized Steelers jersey while on the stage.
The move prompted backlash from some Steelers fans.
In an email obtained by the Post-Gazette, the Steelers said, in part, "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.”