If Aaron Rodgers eventually signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he’ll find a familiar face in the quarterback room with Mason Rudolph. Rudolph recently spoke with a member of “The Pat McAfee Show” — one of Rodgers’ favorites — and shared a story with Steelers correspondent Mark Kaboly about the first time the two quarterbacks met back in 2018. Rudolph spoke highly of the four-time MVP and their brief exchange.
‘That Was Awesome’ — Aaron Rodgers’ Words Still Fuel Mason Rudolph
Rudolph was a fresh-faced rookie after being drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He didn’t see any regular-season game time that year but did play in the preseason, including a matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Rudolph struggled, going 5-of-12 for 47 yards with an interception.
Rodgers, who played just one drive in that game, made a point to talk to Rudolph afterward. Seven years later, Rudolph still remembers the moment fondly.
“I had a rough, early outing, and he came over and said hello, and offered some words of encouragement, and motivated me to keep working hard,” Rudolph said. “It doesn’t happen a lot. He went out of his way to say hello to me, and that was awesome.”
“Financial compensation will tell you what’s going to go down in terms of the depth chart”
Mark Kaboly / Steelers Correspondent
For The @PatMcAfeeShowPITTSBURGH — Mason Rudolph has heard as much about Aaron Rodgers and his future with the Steelers as anybody else – very little… pic.twitter.com/gZArInydF2
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly)
Getting encouragement from one of the game’s best had to be a big deal for the rookie. But despite the connection, Rudolph, who returned to the Steelers after spending a year with the Tennessee Titans, said he hasn’t talked to Rodgers this offseason. Rudolph re-signed with Pittsburgh on a two-year, $8 million deal. He knows his spot on the depth chart could shift fast if Rodgers shows up.
“Whoever they bring in and whoever it is will determine,” he said. “I learned a long time ago that the financial compensation will tell you what’s going to go down in terms of the depth chart. I get it. All I can do is keep having a good spring … and make the most of every rep. That’s what I’ve done my whole career. I am confident that I will be able to play well and win games when my name is called.”
Expect a New Pittsburgh Steelers QB — Rudolph Already Sees It Coming
Rudolph is one of three quarterbacks currently on Pittsburgh’s roster. He’s joined by Skylar Thompson, a fourth-year player who mostly backed up Tua Tagovailoa in Miami, and Will Howard, a seventh-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft.
The Steelers usually bring four quarterbacks into training camp, so another addition — whether Rodgers or someone else — is expected before camp kicks off in late July. Rudolph already sees it coming and is ready for it.
“I assumed they were going to sign people and add to the roster because they always go to training camp with four quarterbacks. I knew that going in. I am going to respect the privacy of what (general manager) Omar (Khan) told me specifically. That’s for him to decide when, or whatever, they add a fourth.”