The Pittsburgh Steelers, a beloved team in western Pennsylvania, have become a focal point in the current presidential campaign with former players endorsing both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Harris has gained support from iconic Steelers such as Mean Joe Greene and Jerome Bettis, while Trump has the backing of renegade players like Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell. The endorsements highlight the campaigns’ efforts to connect with fans in the region and project specific themes, such as appealing to men for Harris and improving relations with Black men and celebrities for Trump.
The split-screen endorsements from former Steelers demonstrate the teams’ cultural significance in western Pennsylvania, with the Steelers being a strong brand in the region. Both campaigns hope to benefit from their association with the team’s legacy. Brown, a controversial figure with legal issues, appeared at a Trump rally alongside Bell and other former players, criticizing Harris as “Tampon Tim.”
The endorsements from former Steelers reflect their personal ties to the Pittsburgh community and their belief in the candidates’ ability to move the country forward. Despite Brown’s controversial past, his endorsement of Trump is seen as a way to bring in nontraditional voters and expand Trump’s coalition. Steelers fans at a voter registration drive did not express concerns over Brown’s involvement in politics, showing that the team’s influence extends beyond the football field.
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