Mason Rudolph pens emotional goodbye to Steelers, city of Pittsburgh

Mason Rudolph‘s time with the Pittsburgh Steelers came to an end this past week, as the 28-year-old quarterback signed with the Tennessee Titans.

Rudolph’s inked a one-year deal worth up to $3.6 million with $2.7 million guaranteed to likely fill the role as backup to Will Levis. One week removed from agreeing to terms with Tennessee, Rudolph penned an emotional goodbye to the Steelers and the city of Pittsburgh.

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“For the past 6 years, it has been a privilege to be part of the Pittsburgh community and represent the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Rudolph wrote in an Instragram post on Wednesday. “To my teammates, coaches, staff, Art Rooney, the Rooney family, Thomas Tull, Larry Paul, and the rest of the Steelers organization: Thank you for changing my life forever six years ago when you gave me the opportunity to wear the Black & Gold. 

“To the fans—your love and passion for the team is what makes it so special to play here. I will never forget playing in front of Yinz one final time this past December. All the Best. MR.”

Mason Rudolph’s Steelers career ends on high note

The Steelers selected Rudolph in the third-round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma State. He started eight games in 2019 in place of the injured Ben Roethlisberger, leading Pittsburgh to a 5-3 record in his starts. Rudolph, however, seldom saw the field over the next three seasons. He entered the 2023 season tucked behind Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky on the depth chart.

But after Pickett went down with an injury and Trubisky’s poor performance earned him a place back on the bench, Rudolph got another shot. Rudolph came off the bench and led the Steelers to three consecutive wins to finish the 2023 regular season. He threw for 719 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions on 74.3% passing. In the 31-17 AFC Wild Card Round defeat to the Buffalo Bills, he completed 22-of-39 passes for 229 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

Steelers general manager Omar Khan said earlier this month the team had interest in bringing Rudolph back in 2024. That never materialized, with Pittsburgh instead signing Russell Wilson and acquiring Justin Fields.