Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to wait on Aaron Rodgers, but as of right now, Mason Rudolph is the projected starting quarterback for the 2025 season. However, if the four-time league MVP eventually signs with the Steelers, it will be something that Rudolph welcomes.
During an appearance on the Kaboly + Mack podcast on Monday, Rudolph shared that he doesn’t know Rodgers well, but in his few interactions, Rodgers has been great to him.
“I’ve met Aaron after games only, over the years,” Rudolph said. “I remember my rookie year, we played a preseason game there in Lambeau and kind of had a rough, early outing, and it was so cool I thought for him to come over and he said, ‘Hello,’ and kind of offered some words of encouragement. It motivated me to keep working hard, which doesn’t happen a lot.”
Rudolph, 29, was selected with the No. 76 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Steelers. He spent the first six years of his career in Pittsburgh before joining the Tennessee Titans in 2024.
Rudolph re-signed with the Steelers in March, and he’s thrilled to be back in the Steel City. Rudolph showed his support as thousands of children participated in the Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh Kids Marathon earlier this month.
“It’s a lot of hard work. They’re in shape; there’s no question. They’ve got their parents and friends and family here to support them, and that’s all we’re trying to do,” Rudolph said, via WTAE.
“Being back in the city of Pittsburgh, it’s a sports town like no other. Any time we get to repay that, it’s always a fun opportunity.”
In six seasons with Pittsburgh, Rudolph completed 63.5% of his passes for 3,085 yards, 19 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a quarterback rating of 86.9.
In 2023, Rudolph started the final three games of the regular season after Kenny Pickett was lost to a high-ankle sprain and Mitchell Trubisky struggled in his limited action.
Rudolph responded with the best play of his career, completing 55 of 75 passes (74.3%) for 719 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions while leading Pittsburgh to three straight victories and a playoff spot.
Rudolph revealed he was never guaranteed to be the starter when he signed with the team back in March.
“I think they know what I can do, what we were able to do there towards the end of 2023. They’re confident in me. They know I can play well when asked of me, when my number’s called,” Rudolph said. “I assumed they were going to sign people and add to the roster. They always go to training camp with four quarterbacks. So I knew that going in.”
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Mason Rudolph Shares Story on First Time Meeting Aaron Rodgers
