Bettis has had some political dealings throughout his life. In 2004, he donated to Republican President George W. Bush. In 2008, he met with Democratic candidate Barack Obama on a tour of the Pittsburgh region.

Players, coaches and other Pittsburgh Steelers figures have been known to get involved in politics.

Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris was a constant presence at many Democratic events all the way up to his death in 2022. Wide receiver Lynn Swan, a four-time Super Bowl champion in the 1970s, ran as the Republican nominee for Pennsylvania governor in 2006. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin held a fundraiser for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in 2016.