When Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph joined Mark Kaboly on the Kaboly and Mack podcast this week, I’ll admit—my expectations were mixed.
The backup QB doesn’t scream "confidence," and the idea of Rudolph potentially leading the charge in 2025 feels uneasy. Still, with each passing day, that possibility looks more and more like reality.
Rudolph, who returned to the Black and Gold after a short stint with the Tennessee Titans, did not shy away from the pressure or the skepticism surrounding his name. His honesty on the podcast was refreshing.
“It’s a fair criticism. Until you do it, there will always be questions,” Rudolph said when asked if it was fair for fans to doubt his ability to lead this team. That kind of self-awareness is rare for someone who bounced between backup roles and short stints of starting duties.
And honestly? It was music to my ears.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have an impressive insurance plan in Mason Rudolph
You could hear a different tone in his voice—less hopeful, more assured. His journey across the NFL, most recently learning behind Will Levis in Tennessee, seems to have hardened him in the best way. “This business hardens you,” he stated. And I believe it.
He’s no longer the wide-eyed third-round pick we once hoped would take the reins from Ben Roethlisberger. Now, he's a mature, experienced quarterback who claims he's ready.
“I think I’ve matured a bit and [I am] a lot more experienced,” Rudolph said. “I think I could tackle a full season.”
Is he the best option on the table? No. But, with uncertainty surrounding other potential starters, especially if Aaron Rodgers stays sidelined, Rudolph could very well be the guy come Week 1.
That reality is creeping in quickly.
I can’t lie. I’m nervous. But I’ll say this: there’s a different energy in Mason Rudolph’s words, and maybe that’s the grounded confidence we need right now. The Steelers have seen legends come and go. If Rudolph wants his shot to lead them onto the field, this might be his best (and last) chance.
Steelers Nation, buckle up.