Latest news with #Rudolph
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Former QB Issues Bold Take on Steelers' Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph Debate
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Over the last week, there has been a lot of noise about Mason Rudolph potentially being the starting quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Aaron Rodgers remaining a free agent, there are some who believe the team would be better off passing on Rodgers in favor of Rudolph. While Rudolph has shown the ability to be a solid NFL starter when called upon out of his backup role, the idea that he's a better option than Rodgers is simply not accurate. Rodgers put together a strong 2024 NFL season with the New York Jets. He completed 63 percent of his pass attempts for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Those numbers would be a huge upgrade for the Steelers under center. Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets in action against the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium on September 29, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets in action against the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium on September 29, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo byFormer NFL quarterback Chris Simms spoke out with his opinion on the discussion. He doesn't think the Rudolph vs. Rodgers debate is even close. Read more: Donald Trump Predicts Shocking Outcome to Steelers' QB Situation During an appearance on "Pro Football Talk," Simms made his thoughts very clear. "I laugh because I hear people on TV go, 'I don't know, maybe Mason Rudolph will be every bit as good as Aaron Rodgers. He finished the year pretty strong, pretty good last year.' I got, what? You mean when Tennessee couldn't win a game at the end of the year?" Simms said. He continued on, going more into detail about his thoughts about Rodgers. "It's revisionist history. It's stomping on Rodgers maybe while he's down right now," he said. "We saw Rodgers play at a [high] level at the end of the year, even though it didn't mean anything. I know you and me sat in the viewing room [saying], 'Whoa man, Rodgers, whoa, whoa.' Throwing it downfield at Davante Adams. He is in a different stratosphere, even at this point of his career, than Mason Rudolph." Read more: Steelers Hit With Troubling Aaron Rodgers Update Rudolph played a decent amount last season with the Tennessee Titans. He appeared in eight games, completing 64 percent of his pass attempts for 1,530 yards, nine touchdowns, and nine interceptions. While Rudolph could come in and play for Pittsburgh if called upon, he would not give them a Super Bowl chance like Rodgers would. There is no comparison between Rudolph and Rodgers, even with the future Hall of Famer at 41 years old. It will be interesting to see what Rodgers chooses to do. He is still widely expected to sign with the Steelers, but that isn't set in stone. For more Pittsburgh Steelers and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Donald Trump Predicts Shocking Outcome to Steelers' QB Situation
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Pittsburgh Steelers have been facing questions regarding the quarterback position throughout the course of the entire 2025 NFL offseason. Now, they have received a massive prediction from none other than President Donald Trump. At this point, the Steelers are still being mentioned heavily as the likely landing spot for future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, he has yet to sign a deal to play for the team. Currently, both Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are on the roster. Pittsburgh has seemed comfortable with those two guys as their lead options for the time being. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump looks on during Turning Point USA's AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center on December 22, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump looks on during Turning Point USA's AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center on December 22, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo byTrump spoke out on the matter during an appearance in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, on Friday. He believes that it will be Rudolph who will be the Week 1 starter for the Steelers. Read more: Steelers Hit With Troubling Aaron Rodgers Update "I happen to think a really good quarterback is a man named Mason Rudolph," Trump said. "And I think he's going to get a big shot. He's tall, he's handsome, got a great arm. And I have a feeling he's going to be the guy. So Mason Rudolph, come up here." Right now, it does seem like Rudolph would be the likely starter if another roster move isn't made. Rodgers could still sign and be the team's starter, or another option like Kirk Cousins could be targeted, but those options are not sure things. Rudolph has started for Pittsburgh in the past. He played the first five years of his NFL career with the Steelers before joining the Tennessee Titans last season. During the 2024 season with the Titans, he received a good amount of playing time. He appeared in eight total games, completing 64 percent of his pass attempts for 1,530 yards, nine touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Rudolph also ran for 106 yards and a score. Read more: Peyton Manning Doesn't Hold Back About Aaron Rodgers Amid Steelers Rumors Nothing is set in stone for Pittsburgh right now. Rodgers is still expected to sign, which would make him the clear-cut starter. If that does not happen, Rudolph might very well be the starter once again for the Steelers. With Trump now weighing in with a big-time opinion of Rudolph, the 29-year-old quarterback will look to make his prediction become a reality. All fans can do at this point is wait and see what happens with Rodgers. For more Pittsburgh Steelers and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Donald Trump calls Mason Rudolph 'handsome' and says the Steelers quarterback is 'gonna be the guy'
Donald Trump introduces Steelers QB Mason Rudolph at Pittsburgh rally (Getty Images) M ason Rudolph has been quietly making his case to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers as their starting quarterback in the upcoming NFL season. But his latest appearance alongside U.S. President Donald Trump has catapulted him into the national spotlight — and not just for football reasons. Donald Trump showers love on Mason Rudolph The 29-year-old quarterback didn't just attend the high-profile U.S. Steel-Nippon Steel merger event in Pittsburgh — he was an active participant. Seated alongside steelworkers and Steelers teammate Miles Killebrew, Rudolph mingled with the local community before joining Donald Trump onstage at the rally. The event, held at U.S. Steel's Irvin Works in West Mifflin, was a powerful show of support for America's steel industry. It was also a surprising political moment for Rudolph, who found an unlikely supporter in Trump himself. "I happen to think a really good quarterback is a man named Mason Rudolph — and I think he's going to get a big shot," Trump said during his speech. 'He's tall, he's handsome, got a great arm, and I have a feeling he's gonna be the guy.' Trump, known for his deep ties to sports figures, didn't stop there. He brought Rudolph onstage alongside Steelers special teams captain Miles Killebrew and Super Bowl champion Rocky Bleier. The moment electrified the crowd of working-class fans, who are both die-hard Steelers supporters and proud defenders of the American steel industry. Bleier, a Vietnam War veteran and Pittsburgh icon, even presented Trump with a custom No. 47 Steelers jersey. 'I'd like to present this to a Hall of Fame president,' he told Trump, marking a moment that blended football pride, political theater, and blue-collar reverence. For Rudolph, who has spent most of his NFL career bouncing between the backup role and emergency starter, the attention is well-earned. After stepping in last season and providing much-needed stability to Pittsburgh's offense, Rudolph has seen his stock rise within the organization and among the fans. His resilience and leadership were particularly praised by teammates, with second-year wideout Roman Wilson calling him an 'elite quarterback' the team is rallying around. Although the Steelers are reportedly waiting on Aaron Rodgers' decision, Rudolph currently stands as the top in-house option. The front office has made it clear that while they may bring in another veteran should Rodgers decline, Rudolph is very much in the mix and could retain the job heading into Week 1. Rudolph's career stats tell a story of a quarterback who's faced adversity but consistently delivered when called upon — with 4,615 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and a solid 8-4-1 record as a Steelers starter. His stint with the Titans last season didn't produce much success in the win column, but it gave him more experience under center. More importantly, Rudolph's presence in Pittsburgh now goes beyond football. From the gridiron to community events with steelworkers, he's embracing the city's values and culture. Whether or not he ultimately starts this fall, Mason Rudolph is quickly becoming a name Steelers fans — and even presidents — are keeping a close eye on. Also Read: Should NFL stars play Olympic flag football? Jason Kelce has a bold and old-school solution
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers WR Roman Wilson praises QB Mason Rudolph — says he's an 'elite quarterback'
Steelers WR Roman Wilson praises QB Mason Rudolph — says he's an 'elite quarterback' Watch out, Aaron Rodgers. In your absence, another Steelers QB is rallying the team behind him — none other than Mason Rudolph. On Day 3 of Steelers OTAs, rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson was asked for his opinion on catching passes from Rudolph — and this was his response, courtesy of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "I love him. He's a great guy. I think he's an elite quarterback — really locked in, bought in. Everyone likes him a lot — he's a good dude." Wilson's admiration for Rudolph may toe the line between fact and fiction, but at least Rudolph is here in Pittsburgh — while the same can't be said for Rodgers. Yes, OTAs are voluntary — but it doesn't change the fact that Rodgers continues to play this never-ending waiting game — while Rudolph is earning the respect of his peers. Should Rodgers not end up signing with the Steelers, the Rudolph-to-Wilson connection is a sight fans will hopefully learn to love throughout the 2025 season. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy back at practice: 'It feels amazing'
How Good Can Mason Rudolph Be? | Steelers Morning Rush Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League. Today, it's how good quarterback Mason Rudolph could be, now that he's been united with Arthur Smith with the Steelers. Smith had has success turning around the careers of other former starters like Ryan Tannehill and Justin Fields, and we've seen other quarterbacks of Rudolph's age fix things at the NFL level recently, including Geno Smith and Sam Darnold. Does Rudolph -- and do the Steelers -- have what it takes to make that kind of career resurrection? Alan breaks it down. #steelers #herewego #nfl CONNECT WITH STEELERS NOW: Steelers Now: SN on Twitter: SN on FB: SN on Insta: 9:37 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
