Steelers president Art Rooney II put out a statement on Thursday that, while not mentioning Alejandro Villanueva specifically by name, was surely designed to show the team's support for the offensive tackle.
Villanueva has been at the center of something of a firestorm on social media following his decision to replace the name of Antwon Rose Jr. on the back of his helmet with that of Sgt. Alwyn Cashe for Monday night's regular season opener against the Giants.
Rose's mother, Michelle Kenney, ripped Villanueva, a decorated former Army Ranger, saying his decision showed, "exactly who he is," and that she will "hold the Steelers accountable" for his actions.
NFL players were permitted to put the names or initials of individuals who were victims of systematic racism or who had died at the hands of the police as part of the league's attempt to raise awareness toward systematic racism.
The Steelers, who had chosen to act as a team, picked Rose, a Pittsburgh teen who was shot and killed by East Pittsburgh police during a traffic stop while investigating a drive-by shooting. Rose ran from police and was shot and killed though he was unarmed. Police found two handguns in the vehicle.
Cashe, who like Rose, was Black, rescued several other service members from a burning vehicle while in Iraq in 2005, suffering burns over more than 70 percent of his body in the process. He died of his injuries.
Teammates Cam Heyward and Ben Roethlisberger said Wednesday they did not know of Villanueva's decision to step outside what the rest of the team was doing, though head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday he was aware, having discussed it with the left tackle.
Rooney said the team will continue to support any of its players in how they choose to express themselves.
"As an organization, we respect the decisions of each player, coach and staff member relating to how to express themselves on social justice topics," Rooney wrote. "We will continue to support our social initiatives to fight against social injustices and systematic racism not only in our area, but around the country.
"Along the way, we understand that individually, we may say or do things that are not universally accepted. There will be uncomfortable conversations. But we will strive to be a force for unity in our efforts to support a more just society.
"With our support, our players have and will support our communities to address these issues with tangible actions. Our players have done an amazing job in helping create social justice platforms that we have already begun participating in this year. But we know there is still work to be done. This season our primary focuses in terms of social justice funds and activities will be voter registration and awareness, community and police forums, and education and community investment.
"I am proud of the way our players have responded to the need for greater efforts to bring awareness and changes to combat racism and social injustice. I know they will continue to be leaders in our communities and their hometowns."
Rooney's wasn't the only statement regarding the situation released Thursday.
Center Maurkice Pouncey, a member of the team's social justice committee, posted on his Instagram page that he didn't know enough about the situation and now regrets putting the name of Rose on the back of his helmet: