“How about this president of ours, huh?” Killebrew said. “Just wanted to say God bless you, President Trump, and God bless you, Pittsburgh. Thank you.”

“Mr. President, on behalf of U.S. Steel and to the people of Pittsburgh,” said Bleier. “More importantly, though, to all the Steelers fans that are here this evening, I have the honor of making you an honorary Pittsburgh Steeler and would like to present to you your jersey, as … with the number 47 as the 47th President of the United States, a number that hangs in the National Football League Hall of Fame. I’d like to present to this to a Hall of Fame President.”

Those in attendance loved the gesture; others who were not at the rally, not so much.

Steelers fans who were upset that Trump was gifted the jersey contacted the football team and relayed their displeasure, the Associated Press reported. The Steelers responded by sending a letter to upset fans stating they were not involved with the ceremony and did not authorize giving the jersey to Trump. They also noted that the views and opinions of the Steelers players who appeared with the president at the rally did not necessarily align with the “entire” Steelers franchise.

“We understand that a recent rally in Pittsburgh has generated a range of reactions from our fan base,” read the letter. “Our alumni and current players make their own individual decisions that reflect their views, and they do not necessarily represent the view of the entire Pittsburgh Steelers organization. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your passion and your continued support of the team.”

Rudolph and Killebrew were also criticized for their appearances at the rally, but both players were unfazed by the comments. 

“That’s the nature of social media,” said Rudolph. “That’s the nature of why America is so great. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Speech is free. Par for the course.”

Meanwhile, Killebrew dismissed any concerns about his appearance, saying he “couldn’t care less.”

“Yesterday, I got the chance to meet the sitting U.S. president. I’m not apologetic about that,” Killebrew said. “I’ll be able to sit down with my kids when they’re learning about the president and say, ‘Hey, dad met that guy.’ For anybody who thinks that’s a bad thing, to be honest, I couldn’t care less.”