Steelers' Rashard Mendenhall Defends His Approach To His Controversial Social Media Posts

Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Rashard Mendenhall has rekindled a flame of fame when it comes to social media. The former Super Bowl winner had a solid career, playing six total seasons in the NFL -- spending five in Pittsburgh. He went on to appear in two Super Bowls during his time with the Steelers, winning one in his rookie season. While many fans when thinking back on the career of Mendenhall seem to always bring up his famous fumble in Super Bowl XLV against the Green Bay Packers, he has used his social media presence to become more than that when it comes to Steeler Nation.

In a recent sit down with Steelers Takeaways, Mendenhall was asked about his approach when it comes to social media. He defends his use of his social media presence as a way to discuss certain issues that comes to him. He had realized early on that his initial approach to various platforms wasn't working since people would use his posts to create "beef" versus actually discussing the issues that he wanted to.

"It's an effective way to discuss issues that come to me," said Mendenhall. "It was always in it to me to connect with fans and audiences. I realized that heartfelt stuff doesn't always attract people - they like to beef on social media instead."

Mendenhall wants to be as effective as he can with his approach to social media. He uses the negativity that is brought to him online as an opportunity to discuss the topics that he wants to discuss. That's why he uses Ben Roethlisberger's name on his posts, to get his point across.

"If I was in high school and in the lunch room and someone tried to make fun of me, I'd grill them," said Mendenhall. "I wouldn't let someone play in my face. So when people bring me stuff on social media, I use it as an opportunity to put something out there that I want to discuss. I just want to be effective when I do it. That's why I used Ben's name - to get a point across and to make sure it was heard and understood that way."

Mendenhall has made waves across the X platform with multiple controversial posts. From calling out Roethlisberger during the Antonio Brown drama, to his famous Pro Bowl post. From his point of view, these posts open up more in-depth discussions on issues that he believes needs more attention. 

Many fans still do not agree with a lot of the posts that Mendenhall puts out there. This is has caused the former first round pick to face much backlash with the fans, especially when it came to his comments about Roethlisberger. He knew it would get a big reaction and came back to clear the air when it came to the true meaning of his post. While he isn't truly bothered by the negativity that is brought to him, he is only concerned that his point and position on certain topics are made clear.

The backlash Mendenhall has faced has turned fans from appreciating his career, to placing the blame for the Super Bowl loss on his shoulders. Mendenhall had 14 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown in that Super Bowl matchup, averaging 4.5 yards a carry and his touchdown brought the Steelers within a score to take the lead. Unfortunately, late in the fourth quarter, the famous fumble happens and Green Bay never looked back. 

Steelers' Former Running Back Wants His Platform 

Mendenhall knows that his posts have had some shock value throughout the years, but he believes that it has helped elevate the points and topics that he holds dear across social media. He understands the hate that is generated with his posts, but he has made it clear that he doesn't let it bother him and isn't afraid to defend himself to it. Mendenhall will continue to use his platform how he sees fit and use it as his true voice. 

Do you agree with Mendenhall's use of his platform? Do you understand his point of view when it comes to his controversial posts? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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