Trump Attends Pittsburgh Steelers Game in Key State Ahead of Election

Former President Donald Trump attended the Oct. 20 primetime game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets.

The Steelers announced the appearance of the 45th president and 2024 GOP presidential nominee on Oct. 19 and that security measures would be in place, though the NFL team did not specify what those would be.

“With former President Trump expected to attend Sunday night’s game as a guest of an individual suite holder, we are working with Secret Service and local authorities to ensure the safety and security of all our fans,” said the team in a statement.

The team did not reveal the name of the suite holder and did not endorse any presidential candidate.

“As always, we will work to make the fan experience the same as it always is for every Steelers’ home game at Acrisure Stadium,” the team said. “We encourage fans to arrive early to the parking lots and to the gates so that they can enjoy our pregame experience and our celebrations throughout the game that will honor the 50th anniversary of our Super Bowl IX team.”

In that Super Bowl, the Steelers beat the Minnesota Vikings, 16–6, to win their first Vince Lombardi Trophy.

The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

The game had Russell Wilson start at quarterback for the Steelers, his first for the team after returning from injury. Justin Fields led the team in his place, posting a 4–2 record after coming to the six-time Super Bowl champion from the Chicago Bears. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said the quarterback change was due to the need to improve the passing game. Fields has five touchdowns and one interception on the year.

The Jets, meanwhile, debuted Davante Adams after acquiring the star wide receiver from the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting him with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The two were a dynamic duo on the Green Bay Packers.

Former Steelers players Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell, and Mike Wallace have come out in support of Trump.

Brown, who was at one point embroiled in controversies during his NFL career, spoke at Trump’s rally in Latrobe, Pa., on Oct. 19.

“Donald Trump, he knows success, and he knows what it takes to make America great again,” he said. “And to be real, we have all experienced highs and lows. Especially me, in my career as a Super Bowl champion and life as a father to seven amazing children.”

This is not the first time Trump has attended a football game on the campaign trail.

A few weeks ago, Trump attended the game between the University of Alabama and the University of Georgia.

Trump also attended football games when he was president, including the annual game between the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy in December 2019.