Ahead of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s appearance at the Pittsburgh Steelers game, three franchise legends and the family of another endorsed his opponent, Democrat Kamala Harris. Jerome Bettis, “Mean” Joe Greene, and the family of the late Franco Harris cited Trump’s failure to deliver promises to Pittsburgh and endorsed Harris as a leader who will fight for the city. Bettis emphasized the values of hard work and integrity that define the Steel City and expressed his support for Harris as a leader who will roll up her sleeves and get the job done.
The family of Franco Harris echoed these sentiments, noting that their father taught them the importance of teamwork and leadership in achieving greatness. They endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for her commitment to improving education, building good jobs, supporting labor unions, and ensuring everyone receives a fair shake. Greene also voiced his support for Harris, emphasizing that she has his vote for sure. Trump held a rally in nearby Latrobe, Pennsylvania, with former Steelers stars Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell in attendance, who are expected to be with Trump at the game.
The Steelers released a statement announcing new security protocols and warning fans about potential delays ahead of Trump’s attendance at the game. They assured fans that they were working with the Secret Service and local authorities to ensure the safety and security of all attendees. The team encouraged fans to arrive early to enjoy the pregame experience and celebrations honoring the 50th anniversary of the Super Bowl IX team. Trump’s last big football game attendance was at the University of Alabama, where he was met with chants of “USA!” as he watched the Crimson Tide play the Georgia Bulldogs.
Overall, the endorsements of Kamala Harris by prominent Steelers figures and the family of Franco Harris highlight the divide in the city of Pittsburgh over the upcoming presidential election. The support for Harris is rooted in a belief that she represents the values and ideals of hard work, integrity, and leadership that Pittsburgh stands for. Trump’s appearance at the Steelers game, along with his rally in Latrobe, signals his strong support in the area, despite the opposition from some former Steelers players. The game between the Steelers and the opposing team will likely serve as a backdrop for the political tensions and allegiances in the city as the election approaches.
