NFL quarterback breaks silence after Donald Trump rally appearance sparked furious fan backlash
NFL quarterback breaks silence after Donald Trump rally appearance sparked furious fan backlash
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By ERIC BLUM
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph has broken his silence after he appeared on stage at a rally for Donald Trump last month, stating he has no regrets because 'speech is free'.
Rudolph was part of the Pittsburgh contingent to join Trump on stage last Friday, giving him a personalized Steelers jersey, alongside safety Miles Killebrew, and four-time Super Bowl champion Rocky Bleier.
Days later, Rudolph had the chance to speak out about the appearance after many on social media showed their displeasure for his choice.
'There’s backlash on social media. That’s the nature of social media. It’s the nature of why America’s so great because everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and speech is free,' Rudolph said.
Rudolph being kind to Trump after his appearance at a rally for the president could be a response for the Commander in Chief giving the 29-year-old his stamp of approval.
'I happen to think a really good quarterback is a man named Mason Rudolph,' Trump said. 'I think he’s gonna get a big shot. He’s tall, he’s handsome, he’s got a great arm. And I have a feeling he’s gonna be the guy.'
Mason Rudolph has broken his silence after he appeared on stage at a rally for Donald Trump
Trump gave Rudolph a stamp of approval to Rudolph amid the team's interest in Aaron Rodgers
Rudolph has had an up-and-down professional career since entering the league in 2018, now in his second stint with the Steelers after a turbulent stay from 2018 through 2023.
Trump's prediction could be bad news for free agent Aaron Rodgers, as the Steelers looked like the best option left in the league for him to join.
The Steelers only have Rudolph and Will Howard on their roster after letting Russell Wilson and Justin Fields walk this offseason.
The 41-year-old Rodgers would bring a veteran presence to the locker room, with the team still leaving him unsigned nearly three months after the possibility first arose of bringing him in.
Rodgers looked to have plenty of options months ago for where he could possibly land as a free agent, including the Vikings, Giants, and Colts.
Every team that could have needed a short-term answer at quarterback with Rodgers fitting the bill, except the Steelers, made a definitive move to sign another signal caller.
The Steelers may be in less of a win-now mode than in seasons' past, with their trade of star wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys as evidence.
Head coach Mike Tomlin may want to develop a younger quarterback like Rudolph instead of a flyer on Rodgers to have postseason success in 2025.
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