PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – When he was drafted, Ben Roethlisberger said on 93.7 The Fan he was surprised they took a quarterback, saying they could have added some players that could have helped that team in 2018.
He said it was nothing personal against Mason, but he wasn’t sure how a back-up or third string quarterback helps the Steelers when while Roethlisberger was still on the roster. He would move up and down the depth chart over his time with the Steelers from bringing in former first-round picks to drafting one themselves.
Point is, Mason has been a part of some things. Even when he got his chance to play he had his helmet ripped off and was hit on the head by it, later to be saddled with unjustified claims of making racist statements.
So for him to be here with talk swirling about Aaron Rodgers, even though it affects him greatly, he seemed to take it as just another challenge.
“That’s nothing new to me, there has been constant noise,” Rudolph said Tuesday for the first day of Steelers Organized Team Activities. “That is the nature of the NFL. I’ve been used to that for a long time. Do nothing but be the best I can be and help our team get better this spring.”
The reaction has been positive.
“I love Mason,” said Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth. “He’s a hell of a guy, hell of a teammate. Great locker room guy. What was it, two years ago we needed to win three games in a row to make it to the playoffs. He stood in the pocket and delivered for us. We have faith in him.”
Rudolph said he approaches this unique situation as he always has, control what he can control. He took the first-team reps, as expected on Tuesday, that might change if they sign Rodgers, but even if the Steelers do, he said he will throw the ball well and lead the guys. As he simply put it.
“Play well when I get the chance to,” Rudolph said.
Not knowing who else would be interested, Rudolph asked with all of the different scenarios that have happened during his time in Pittsburgh, why come back here?
“I just think it’s a special place,” Rudolph said. “I’ve got a lot of great friends and teammates. A lot of comfortability with Mike T. and the staff. Omar has put together a great roster. Who would not want to be a part of this team and this offense? It’s been a fun couple of months back.”
How much fun, or specifically put, what his chances to start will be determined by a 41-year-old still weighing his options. But why would this year in Pittsburgh be any less dramatic than the previous five.