Mason Rudolph’s football journey has been anything but linear, but it’s been defined by resilience, talent, and a deep connection to the game - and to the fans who’ve followed him from Stillwater to the NFL.
Before he was taking snaps in the pros, Rudolph was the face of Oklahoma State football. He wasn’t just a quarterback - he was a leader, a fan favorite, and a key figure in one of the most productive stretches in OSU history. Whether he was threading a pass through tight coverage or leading the Cowboys in postgame renditions of the alma mater, Rudolph brought a steady presence to the field and the locker room alike.
He made his mark early, and it wasn’t just with his arm. Rudolph’s rapport with fans was on full display during Oklahoma State’s fan appreciation days. You’d see him at Gallagher-Iba Arena, kneeling down to sign footballs and helmets for young fans like Gavan Franks of Owasso, Okla. - moments that showed the human side of a player who would go on to break records and earn national attention.
On the field, Rudolph’s college career was filled with big moments - and big wins. He helped lead the Cowboys to a 37-20 win over West Virginia in 2016, and capped off his senior season with a dominant 58-17 victory over Kansas in 2017.
He didn’t just put up numbers - he put up wins. And he did it with a calm confidence that made him a natural fit under center.
There were signature plays and highlight reels, of course - like his touchdown run against Kansas that had him celebrating with James Washington in the end zone - but what stood out most was his consistency. Whether he was dropping back to pass against Texas Tech or trying to shake a defender from Kansas State, Rudolph played with poise and purpose. He wasn’t flashy, but he was effective - the kind of quarterback who made the right read, delivered the ball on time, and kept his team in games.
And when the lights were brightest, he delivered. In the 2016 Valero Alamo Bowl, Rudolph helped Oklahoma State dismantle Colorado 38-8, a performance that ended with confetti falling and Rudolph celebrating at midfield - a fitting image for a player who gave everything to the program.
After OSU, Rudolph made the leap to the NFL, landing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His pro career has had its ups and downs, but he’s remained in the mix, showing flashes of the same steady hand he displayed in college. Most recently, he’s back with the Steelers after a stint with the Tennessee Titans - a move that brings him full circle to the team where he first got his NFL start.
In Pittsburgh, he’s been a backup, a spot starter, and a trusted presence in the quarterback room. And while he may not have locked down a long-term starting role, he’s earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike for his preparation and professionalism. Whether he’s stepping in mid-game or guiding younger players through the playbook, Rudolph’s value goes beyond the stat sheet.
For fans who watched him grow at Oklahoma State - from signing autographs at spring games to celebrating wins at Boone Pickens Stadium - it’s been a rewarding ride. Mason Rudolph’s story isn’t just about touchdowns and trophies. It’s about showing up, staying ready, and making the most of every opportunity - on the field and off it.