The relationship between former U.S. President Donald Trump and the NFL has been complex and polarizing. During his presidency, Trump urged a boycott of the league, criticizing players who knelt during the national anthem. This controversy had lasting effects, notably influencing the career trajectory of former quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Now, as Trump gears up for a potential second term, let’s examine five NFL players, both current and former, who have publicly supported his campaign.
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1. Lawrence Taylor: Giants Legend and Trump Ally
Lawrence Taylor, a two-time Super Bowl champion widely regarded as one of the NFL’s greatest defensive players, is among Trump’s high-profile supporters. The New York Giants legend attended a Trump rally in New Jersey in May 2024, where he took to the stage and shared his political transformation. Once a lifelong Democrat, Taylor stated, “He won’t have to worry about anybody in my family ever voting for a Democrat again.” Taylor’s endorsement underscores his strong backing for Trump’s agenda.
2. Harrison Butker: Pro-Life Advocate
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, a three-time Super Bowl champion, has publicly voiced his support for Trump, aligning his endorsement with Trump’s pro-life policies. At a recent Missouri rally led by Senator Josh Hawley, Butker explained, “I am supporting the President, who is going to be the most pro-life President.” Butker’s political stance has resonated among pro-life advocates, as he emphasizes this topic as a key motivation behind his support.
3. Nick Bosa: MAGA Supporter and 49ers Star
Known for his defensive skills, San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa has also voiced his support for Trump. After a close Week 8 win over the Dallas Cowboys, Bosa sported a “Make America Great Again” hat, making his political stance clear during a teammate’s post-game interview. Bosa’s support for Trump dates back to his college days at Ohio State, though he removed some of his political commentary from social media upon joining the NFL. Still, Bosa remains an outspoken supporter.
4. Antonio Brown: Outspoken and Unfiltered
Antonio Brown, a former Pro Bowl wide receiver, has also demonstrated his support for Trump, often using his platform to express bold political opinions. Brown’s NFL achievements include seven Pro Bowl selections and multiple team records with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In October 2024, Brown was spotted outside Pittsburgh’s stadium, handing out “Trump” towels to fans, just a day after speaking at a Trump rally. Brown has frequently mocked Trump’s opponents, including Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, adding to his reputation as a fervent supporter.
5. Le’Veon Bell: A Rally Presence
Le’Veon Bell, once regarded as one of the league’s top running backs, recently joined the pro-Trump ranks. A former Pittsburgh Steelers star with three Pro Bowl nods, Bell appeared alongside Antonio Brown at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, later making headlines with a T-shirt that contained critical messaging about Kamala Harris. Bell’s vocal support has drawn attention within both sports and political circles.
Other NFL Figures Aligned with Trump
In addition to these players, others, such as Ottis “O.J.” Anderson and Mike Wallace, have also shown support for Trump in previous years. This alignment of NFL figures with Trump continues to spark debates across sports and politics, illustrating the strong connections between high-profile athletes and their chosen political stances.
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