Early Career and Draft
College Career Overview
The quarterback position in Pittsburgh, a sacred space, steeped in tradition and the legacies of legends. The shadow of Hall of Famers looms large, a testament to the standard of excellence demanded by the black and gold. For Mason Rudolph, the path to carving his own niche amidst such giants was a winding road, filled with exhilarating highs, heartbreaking lows, and the relentless scrutiny that comes with wearing the Steelers’ jersey. This is the story of Mason Rudolph, his journey with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the indelible mark he left on the franchise.
Draft and Initial Expectations
A quarterback’s journey often begins long before they hear their name called on draft day. For Mason Rudolph, the story starts in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He excelled in high school football, quickly establishing himself as a top prospect. His arm talent and command of the offense caught the attention of many college scouts. This talent eventually brought him to Oklahoma State, where he would hone his skills and build a foundation for a career that would be tested time and again.
Steelers Career: Ups and Downs
Pre-Season and Early Games
At Oklahoma State, Rudolph blossomed into a record-breaking passer. He quickly adapted to the fast-paced, pass-heavy offense. The Cowboys became a formidable force in the Big 12 conference, with Rudolph at the helm, consistently putting up impressive numbers. His arm strength was evident, and he demonstrated a knack for delivering the ball accurately. He also showed the ability to lead his team and handle the responsibilities of being the face of the program. Throughout his time in Stillwater, he refined his fundamentals and matured as a quarterback. He became known for his resilience, ability to stay calm under pressure, and dedication to his craft. These qualities, along with his natural talent, made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams looking for a future signal-caller.
2019 Season and the Devlin Hodges Situation
The Pittsburgh Steelers, known for their meticulous approach to the draft, saw something in Rudolph that aligned with their long-term vision. In the 2018 NFL Draft, with the weight of inheriting a rich tradition, the Steelers selected Mason Rudolph in the third round. This was not the typical situation for a team already with a franchise quarterback. Ben Roethlisberger was still playing at a high level, however, there was a need for a player that could be developed into a starter. The selection signaled the team’s intent to build for the future, while also acknowledging the importance of ensuring continuity at the quarterback position. The expectations were clear: learn from the best, develop your skills, and be ready when your opportunity arises.
Later Seasons and Role
Rudolph entered the league under the guidance of a mentor, Ben Roethlisberger, a future Hall of Famer. He became a sponge, soaking up knowledge and observing the nuances of the game. He spent countless hours studying film, learning the playbook, and honing his technique. Rudolph spent his rookie season learning and observing, getting acclimated to the speed and physicality of the NFL. It was a year of adjustment, learning the ins and outs of the Steelers’ offense, and building a relationship with his teammates. He was there to prepare and compete in practice, ready for the moment when he would get the chance to prove himself.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
The opportunity to step into the spotlight arrived sooner than anticipated. The 2019 season began with high hopes for the Steelers. But a devastating injury to Roethlisberger in Week 2 altered the course of the season. Rudolph was thrust into the starting role, tasked with leading the team. This was a true baptism by fire. He was immediately faced with the pressure of leading a team with playoff aspirations. It was a test of his preparation, talent, and mental fortitude.
Weaknesses
His first starts were a mixed bag. Some games showed promise, while others revealed areas where he needed to improve. He demonstrated flashes of his arm talent and ability to make plays, but also struggled with turnovers and consistency. However, there were moments of brilliance, including game-winning drives and impressive performances against tough opponents. His resilience was tested, as he had to navigate the challenges of the NFL spotlight and intense media coverage.
Comparison to Other QBs on the Roster (Past and Present)
The season was marked by both triumphs and tribulations. A key moment, and one that would forever be linked to Rudolph’s career, was the incident with Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett. A confrontation in the closing seconds of a game resulted in Garrett striking Rudolph with his helmet. This incident cast a long shadow over the season, and its impact went beyond the immediate penalties and suspensions. Rudolph had to navigate the emotional fallout and the intense scrutiny that followed.
Impact on the Steelers
Statistical Analysis
Amidst the challenges, Rudolph showed a willingness to fight and persevere. His teammates respected his grit and determination. The Steelers, despite the adversity, remained competitive. It was a season of learning, growth, and experience for the young quarterback. He showed he could be a leader and that he had the potential to contribute to the team’s future success.
Leadership and Locker Room Presence
As the years went on, Rudolph’s role evolved. He transitioned into a backup quarterback, providing stability and support to whoever was starting. He prepared diligently each week, always ready to step in when called upon. He understood his role and embraced the responsibility of being a reliable reserve. He became an invaluable asset, helping the starting quarterback prepare for games, offering insights, and supporting the team in any way he could.
Lasting Legacy
Rudolph’s ability to stay prepared and focused was evident whenever he had the opportunity to take the field. He demonstrated composure and leadership, providing glimpses of his talent and potential. These performances demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the team and his readiness to perform whenever called upon.
Current Status and Future
Current Team
One of the key strengths that defined Rudolph’s game was his arm strength. He possessed the ability to make all the throws, from quick outs to deep bombs. His accuracy, particularly on intermediate routes, improved over time. This allowed him to drive the ball downfield and open up the offense.
Future Outlook
Another important aspect of Rudolph’s game was his ability to make pre-snap reads. He demonstrated a good understanding of defensive coverages and how to exploit them. This skill helped him make quick decisions, leading to efficient offensive plays.
However, there were also areas where Rudolph faced challenges. Consistency proved to be a recurring concern. He sometimes struggled to maintain a high level of performance from game to game. This was an area of focus for him.
Rudolph’s ability to handle pressure and deal with high-stakes situations also fluctuated. At times, he thrived under pressure, making clutch throws and leading his team to victory. Other times, pressure seemed to impact his decision-making and accuracy. He had to learn how to thrive in those moments.
Comparing Mason Rudolph to those around him in the quarterback room offers a fascinating insight into his Steelers tenure. Roethlisberger’s experience, poise, and leadership were apparent throughout his tenure. Roethlisberger set the standard for the quarterback position in Pittsburgh. Rudolph saw him at close quarters, and the example left a clear impact.
Then came Devlin Hodges, also known as “Duck.” He was a young quarterback who provided competition for the Steelers. Hodges was similar in certain areas to Rudolph, but offered a different style. This led to both players getting opportunities to play.
Finally, there’s Kenny Pickett. He arrived with great anticipation as a first-round draft pick. He brought an enthusiastic energy and a different skill set to the team. Rudolph was tasked with helping Pickett along, and it demonstrated his willingness to assist.
Throughout his career with the Steelers, Rudolph made meaningful contributions to the team. His statistical output, while not always eye-popping, reflects the challenges he faced and the opportunities he had. He threw for yards, which is not the complete measure of a quarterback’s output, but an important piece. He had his share of touchdowns, showing his ability to reach the endzone. There were interceptions, too, showing that he was learning and still developing. But the overall statistics tell a story of perseverance.
Beyond the statistics, Rudolph played a key role in the locker room. He was respected by his teammates for his work ethic, his professionalism, and his willingness to compete. He was known for his calm demeanor and his ability to stay focused, even in the most challenging situations. He was a leader, and his ability to motivate his teammates was apparent.
Rudolph’s legacy with the Steelers is one of a quarterback who stepped into a challenging situation and gave his all. He demonstrated his dedication to the sport, his resilience, and his ability to grow and develop. He was not always the top selection for the Steelers, but he always gave his best effort.
His story remains a point of reference for other quarterbacks who come through the Steelers organization. He will be remembered by the fans for his time with the team.
Mason Rudolph’s time with the Steelers has come to an end. It is a chapter of a career that he will continue to shape. He has since signed with another team. He is seeking to continue his career and contribute to his new franchise.
His future remains open. He has the ability to compete for a starting role. He’s displayed that ability for many years and throughout his career. It will require him to continue to work hard and seize his opportunities.
Mason Rudolph’s time with the Steelers was not always easy, however, he always worked hard. He provided contributions to the team and demonstrated his character and resilience. He will not be mentioned amongst the greats. The Steelers had a player who showed he had talent and commitment, and who handled the responsibility as well as he could. He will be remembered as someone who gave his all for the black and gold.
