President Donald Trump called an audible early in his speech Friday night in West Mifflin, temporarily shifting focus away from a $14 billion agreement between U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel to recognize a trio of Pittsburgh Steelers.
Former Steelers legend Rocky Bleier, who was joined on stage by current Steelers Mason Rudolph and Miles Killebrew, presented Trump with an honorary Steelers jersey with No. 47 on it — a nod to him being the 47th president in this term.
“I have the honor of making you an honorary Steeler,” Bleier said.
Of Bleier, Trump said, “This man had tremendous courage. He had a lot of grit.”
Trump then turned his attention to Rudolph, a former Steelers backup quarterback who returned to Pittsburgh after spending last season in Tennessee.
“I think he’s going to get a big shot. He’s tall, he’s handsome, he’s got a great arm and I have a feeling he’s going to be the guy,” Trump predicted.
Trump then described Killebrew, a safety, as “an absolute killer.”
Rudolph seemed reluctant to step up to the microphone, but did so after being asked by the president.
“Listen, I’m honored to be here with a great Steeler legend like Rocky Bleier, somebody who fought for our country in Vietnam and came back and played some great football for the Black and Gold,” Rudolph said. “It’s awesome to be here to be part of this big investment in Pittsburgh. Go Steelers.”
Killebrew added: “How about this president of ours? God bless you, President Trump, and God bless you, Pittsburgh.”
