Staff Reports
The Pittsburgh Steelers took their game to another level on Sunday night, but it wasn’t just the score that had fans buzzing. It was former President Donald Trump’s appearance at Acrisure Stadium that turned a typical football game into a full-blown pep rally for America. Trump made quite an entrance, arriving during the first quarter to a raucous greeting from supporters decked out in Steelers jerseys and waving a “Trump Nation” banner, putting the “Rooney Rule” to rest in favor of the more patriotic “Trump Fix-It.”
As NBC cameras scoured the field for the next overhyped advertisement or musical guest, they briefly acknowledged Trump’s presence amidst the chaos of the game. Hilariously, the network seemed to grapple with the optics of having to give airtime to a former president and current presidential candidate while the likes of Taylor Swift could bask in the limelight for much longer. If it were Swift, NBC would have likely rolled out the red carpet and organized a three-minute special on her latest lipstick shade.
I’m amazed NBC showed Trump at the game.
It was very brief, but you know it killed NBC to have to acknowledge Trump’s presence.
But if it was Taylor Swift, they would have dedicated a 3 minute segment to it.
— Clandestine (@WarClandestine) October 21, 2024
But on this memorable night, an enthusiastic crowd took matters into their own hands, erupting into chants of “USA!” as soon as Trump was spotted. Just when it seemed like NBC wanted to sweep Trump under the carpet, a fan with a pro-Trump banner managed to dash onto the field, turning a mundane game moment into a brief spectacle—one that seemed to frustrate network officials even more. Rumor has it they considered a break for a commercial just to avoid acknowledging Trump’s popularity in real-time.
Adding to the night’s festivities, two former Steelers stars, Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell, endorsed Trump with all the charm of old school football legends. Amidst this surrounding buzz, Trump took to Truth Social to express his gratitude for the warm welcome and perhaps to brainstorm his next campaign slogan, “November 5th will be the most important in the history of our Country! MAGA 2024!!!” Because nothing says patriotism quite like using a football game to rally support for a presidential campaign.
President @realDonaldTrump arrives at Acrisure Stadium to chants of U-S-A! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/TaVUjTDuT9
— Margo Martin (@margommartin) October 21, 2024
Beyond the end zones and touchdowns, Trump showcased his down-to-earth style by working the drive-thru at a local McDonald’s, serving fans their Big Macs as if he was still in the White House cutting red tape. One loyal fan gushed about the encounter, thanking Trump for taking “a bullet for us” as he handed her a meal with a side of genuine excitement. Caitlin Hanlon, a hairdresser, summed it up perfectly: love him or hate him, moments like these are what live in the history books.
As the game ended with a thumping win for the Steelers, the energy in the stadium mirrored a larger movement unfolding in Pennsylvania, a swing state critical to both parties. The evening’s excitement wasn’t just about football; it painted a vivid picture of a political landscape filled with fervent support—and a clear reminder that both football and politics can stir national pride in wildly entertaining ways. Those who love America don’t just celebrate the touchdowns; they celebrate the chance to be part of something greater, with politicking and pigskin intertwined in a uniquely American fashion.
