Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and former Steelers players are actively campaigning for the presidential candidates, with both trying to court former players of the Pittsburgh Steelers to boost their campaigns. Vice President Kamala Harris has the support of iconic Steelers such as “Mean” Joe Greene and Jerome Bettis, while former President Donald Trump has endorsements from more recent players like Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell. These players are being used to enhance the respective campaigns’ messaging aimed at appealing to male voters and Black men. Trump’s campaign has taken advantage of the improved social acceptability of being a Trump supporter, with support from celebrities and athletes like Brown. However, Brown’s controversial past, including legal issues and erratic behavior, has raised concerns about his endorsement. Regardless, Trump’s team views Brown’s endorsement as a way to bring in nontraditional voters to the fold. In contrast, Harris’ Steelers supporters have deeper ties to the Pittsburgh community and the region, making their endorsements more substantial. The political battle over the Steelers reflects the intersection of football and politics in western Pennsylvania, where notable players have historically been politically active, campaigning for candidates across party lines. The split between Trump’s renegade players and Harris’ hometown heroes highlights the influence of local ties in shaping political beliefs in the region.
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