50 Facts About Mason Rudolph

Early Life and High School

Mason Rudolph's journey to the NFL began in his formative years, where he laid the foundation for a promising football career.

1. Family Legacy: Named after his father and grandfather, Mason Rudolph carries a family tradition in his name.

2. School Transfer: He started at Westminster Catawba Christian School before moving to Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, South Carolina, a school known for producing NFL talent.

3. Senior Year Success: During his senior season, Rudolph led his team to a perfect 15-0 record and a 4A State Championship.

4. All-Star Game MVP: He earned the offensive MVP title in the Annual Shrine Bowl All-Star game, showcasing his leadership by orchestrating a game-winning drive.

College Career at Oklahoma State

Rudolph's college years were marked by impressive performances and numerous accolades, setting the stage for his NFL career.

5. Four-Star Recruit: Ranked as the ninth-best pro-style quarterback in his class, Rudolph committed to Oklahoma State University.

6. Freshman Season: He began as a third-string quarterback but quickly rose to start after injuries to teammates, debuting against Baylor.

7. Cactus Bowl Victory: As a freshman, he led his team to a win in the 2015 Cactus Bowl, completing 49 of 83 passes for 563 yards in three games.

8. Golden Arm Award: In his final year, he won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, recognizing his on-field achievements and character.

9. Record Holder: Rudolph holds 54 school records, including passing yards and touchdowns, with 13,618 career passing yards ranking fourth in Big 12 history.

10. All-American Honors: He was a third-team All-American selection in 2017, having defeated every team in the Big 12 during his tenure.

NFL Draft and Early Career

Mason Rudolph's transition to the NFL was marked by his selection in the 2018 draft and his early performances with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

11. Draft Selection: Chosen by the Steelers in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Rudolph was the 76th overall pick.

12. Backup to Roethlisberger: His selection became crucial when Ben Roethlisberger suffered a season-ending injury, highlighting Rudolph's potential as a backup.

13. Physical Attributes: Standing 6-5 and weighing 235 pounds, Rudolph's size and arm strength are comparable to Roethlisberger's.

14. Notable College Game: In 2016, he threw for 540 yards against Pittsburgh, demonstrating his ability to lead high-scoring games.

NFL Career Highlights

Rudolph's time in the NFL has been filled with challenges and opportunities, showcasing his resilience and potential.

15. NFL Starts: As of now, Rudolph has started 14 NFL games, showing promise despite limited opportunities.

16. Titans Signing: In 2024, he signed a two-year deal with the Tennessee Titans, joining a young quarterback room.

17. First Start Success: His first start for the Steelers against the Bengals resulted in a 34-11 win, with 290 passing yards and two touchdowns.

18. Seahawks Victory: In his second start, he led the Steelers to a road win against Seattle, completing 74.7% of his throws.

19. Resilience Against Bills: Despite a critical interception, he rallied the team to close a 21-0 gap against Buffalo.

20. Comparison to Hodges: His stats outshone fellow Steelers quarterback Devlin Hodges, with better yardage and touchdowns.

21. Concussion Impact: A severe concussion against Baltimore in 2019 highlighted the risks of the game and affected his season.

22. Pocket Awareness: Known for his ability to extend plays, Rudolph's pocket presence is a key strength.

23. Development Time: With Roethlisberger's presence, Rudolph had time to hone his skills and develop as a quarterback.

24. Fan Criticism: Despite potential, he faced criticism, with some questioning his role as a backup.

25. Steelers' Depth: His presence in the quarterback lineup has been a topic of debate, with some advocating for more draft picks in this area.

Challenges and Resilience

Rudolph's career has not been without its hurdles, but his ability to bounce back has been noteworthy.

26. Recent Performances: He won three consecutive home games, completing 62.39% of his passes for 684 yards.

27. Critical Game Against Browns: A four-interception game against Cleveland was a low point, leading to a benching.

28. Jets Game Resilience: He tied the game with a 29-yard touchdown pass to Diontae Johnson, showing focus under pressure.

29. Fumble Comparison: With only five career fumbles compared to Trubisky's 27, Rudolph demonstrates better ball control.

30. Limited Wins: His win record is limited, partly due to team performance and injuries to key players.

31. Week 17 Against Browns: Threw for over 300 yards, becoming the only quarterback since Roethlisberger to do so for the Steelers.

32. Week 18 Against Lions: Led a touchdown drive with less than 24 hours' notice, despite challenging weather conditions.

33. Team Impact: His individual contributions often overshadowed by the team's overall record.

34. Big Ben's Influence: Roethlisberger's extended career gave Rudolph more time to develop.

35. Stat Comparison: His stats in ten starts show promise compared to Roethlisberger's early career numbers.

36. Defense's Role: The Steelers' defense often played a crucial role in games where Rudolph started.

37. Future Potential: Despite challenges, Rudolph's potential for growth remains significant.

38. Fanbase Perception: While some fans are critical, others see his value as a backup quarterback.

39. Development Needs: Continued coaching and development could unlock more of his potential.

40. Quarterback Comparison: His playing style and physical attributes remind some of a younger Roethlisberger.

High School and College Legacy

Rudolph's early years set the stage for his professional career, with impressive achievements and recognition.

41. High School Pipeline: Northwestern High School, known as "Football City, USA," has produced numerous NFL players.

42. High School Awards: Named offensive MVP in the Shrine Bowl and a finalist for South Carolina's "Mr. Football."

43. College Passing Records: Holds multiple Oklahoma State records for passing yards and touchdowns.

44. NFL Career Milestones: With 14 NFL starts, Rudolph has shown his ability to compete at the professional level.

45. Titans' Quarterback Room: Joins a young group in Tennessee, bringing experience and poise.

46. Coach Brian Callahan: His experience could aid the new Titans head coach in navigating NFL challenges.

47. Bengals Performance: An 86-yard touchdown pass to George Pickens highlighted his quick decision-making.

48. Seahawks Game: A strong performance with 716 yards and three touchdowns without interceptions.

49. Bills Resilience: Helped rally the team despite a critical interception, showcasing his resilience.

50. Future Prospects: Rudolph's potential for growth and improvement makes him an intriguing prospect for the future.

Rudolph's Journey in the NFL

Mason Rudolph's path in the NFL has been a mix of challenges and opportunities. From his high school days in Rock Hill, South Carolina, to his college success at Oklahoma State, he's shown resilience and potential. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018, Rudolph's journey has been marked by both impressive performances and tough moments. His time as a backup to Ben Roethlisberger allowed him to develop his skills, though he's faced criticism and injuries along the way. Now with the Tennessee Titans, Rudolph brings experience and a strong arm to a young quarterback room. His career stats show promise, but there's still room for growth. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he continues to evolve. Rudolph's story is far from over, and his future in the league remains an intriguing prospect.