Football fans in Pittsburgh got an unexpected guest at Sunday night’s game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets. Former President Donald Trump was spotted in a suite box at Acrisure Stadium, waving to the crowd as chants of “USA” echoed throughout the venue. The 45th president, who is actively campaigning for a return to the White House, seemed to be enjoying the game, making headlines for more than just his attendance.

Trump’s visit came on the heels of a weekend rally in Pennsylvania, where he was seen alongside former Steelers stars Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell. Both players showed their support for Trump, endorsing his presidential bid for 2024. Social media posts from the event captured Brown and Bell distributing yellow rally towels branded with “Trump-Vance,” referencing Trump’s endorsement of Senate candidate J.D. Vance. The former football stars even set up a voter registration table outside the stadium to encourage fans to register.

A social media sensation

In typical Trump fashion, the former president took to social media ahead of the game, posting an AI-generated image of himself wearing a Steelers jersey. The digitally altered photo quickly went viral, sparking reactions from both supporters and critics. Trump’s choice of a Pittsburgh uniform was a nod to his appearance at the game, though some fans were amused by the fact that it was AI-created rather than authentic.

Trump’s connection to the New York Jets was also a talking point, as the team’s owner, Woody Johnson, served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom during Trump’s first term. Although Trump was seen supporting the Steelers during the game, his ties to the Jets added an interesting dynamic to his attendance.

A weekend of football and campaigning

The Steelers entered the game with a solid 4-2 record, while the Aaron Rodgers-led Jets had been struggling with a 2-4 start. Trump’s presence seemed to bring an extra buzz to the already electric atmosphere at Acrisure Stadium. Earlier that weekend, Trump participated in campaign activities across Pennsylvania, even working a shift at a local McDonald’s as part of his effort to connect with voters in the Keystone State.

Despite the focus on politics, Trump’s appearance at the game highlighted the intersection of sports and public figures. His rally outside the stadium, featuring controversial figures like Antonio Brown, drew both excitement and criticism, reflecting the divisive nature of his political comeback.

As Trump continues his campaign trail, his moments in the spotlight whether on social media or at major sporting events remain a significant part of his strategy. His attendance at the Steelers-Jets matchup was another example of how he leverages high-profile appearances to engage with supporters and make headlines, setting the stage for his 2024 presidential bid.