Mason Rudolph shouts out young fan inspired by Steelers taking first steps at hospital

Mason Rudolph has a huge assignment this week — extending the Steelers victory streak to four straight while battling the cold and bluster of Buffalo in mid-January.

But with all that on his mind, the Steelers quarterback still had time to make a sweet, encouraging video for Isaac, a young boy relearning to walk at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Rudolph made the video, which was shared by Steelers social media. In the video, Rudolph looks straight into the camera to make this message a special one.

“Hey Isaac, Mason Rudolph here,” the quarterback said. “Wanted to check in, man, and say congratulations. I saw the video of your first few steps walking again. Very cool. Very inspiring. Wishing you a healthy road to recovery, man. Thank you for your support of the Steelers. Thanks for rooting us on. And, I hope you can watch the game this weekend.

“Go Steelers.”

The hospital originally shared Isaac’s story, saying the Steelers “inspired” the youngster.

“Last week, at this time, Isaac wasn’t able to walk,” the hospital wrote in the video caption. “Today, inspired by the Pittsburgh Steelers and their playoff run he decided to give walking a try! Taking his first steps at our (Steelers) pep rally, Isaac hopes one day we’ll be cheering for him in Black and Gold!”

A message from @Rudolph2Mason 🖤💛 https://t.co/oRxov0NEwk pic.twitter.com/M1aud6qnug

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 11, 2024

The Steelers pulled together over the past month to change the fortunes of their team. They seemingly were in control of their own playoff destiny Thanksgiving weekend when Pittsburgh beat Cincinnati. Then they inexplicably lost to the Cardinals and Patriots at home. Both teams only had two victories before hitting Acrisure Stadium. Toss in a loss to the Colts and Pittsburgh was a long-shot to make the post-season.

But there was a big change. Kenny Pickett, the starting quarterback, suffered a high ankle sprain. Mitch Trubisky replaced him in the lineup. Then Mike Tomlin turned to Rudolph, who hadn’t played in a regular season game in two years. All Rudolph did was reignite the Steelers deep passing game set up by Pittsburgh’s effective play action.

Pickett was healthy for last Saturday’s game against the Ravens. But Tomlin stuck with Rudolph. And the Steelers head coach still is rolling with the hot quarterback. Then again, the Pittsburgh depth chart released this week listed Pickett as QB1. A reporter asked Tomlin why it still said that.

“We’re going about our business cultivating a plan to win this week,” Tomlin said. “We care less about the division of labor in terms of what’s on pieces of paper and depth charts and so forth and more strategically how we utilize the tools at our disposal in an effort to secure victory.”

He added: “I’ve been transparent with you guys. [Rudolph]’s got the hot hand. He’s going to maintain control of the ball. I don’t know why that is an issue, to be quite honest with you.”

Meanwhile, go Isaac. We hope you’re running soon.