Pat Freiermuth Sounds Off On Steelers QB1: ‘I Love Mason’
Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has faith in Mason Rudolph based on what he saw in his 2023 playoff push.
PITTSBURGH–While thePittsburgh Steelers are not certain if, or when, Aaron Rodgers will join the team, the Steelers started OTA’s on Tuesday. Afterward, tight end Pat Freiermuth was asked about the return of quarterback Mason Rudolph.
Rudolph spent a season with the Tennessee Titans before returning to the black and gold this offseason. The fifth-year veteran was asked about Rudolph.
“I love Mason,” Freiermuth said of Rudolph. “He’s a hell of a guy, a hell of a teammate, great locker room guy.”
Freiermuth saw firsthand the kind of teammate Rudolph is. After being passed on by the coaching staff in 2022, Rudolph got an opportunity in 2023.
With Mitchell Trubisky putting on dreadful performances and Kenny Pickett’s injuries, Rudolph started in week 16. He torched the Cincinnati Bengals and didn’t look back.
“Two years ago, we needed to win those three games to get into the playoffs,” Freiermuth said of Rudolph stepping under center in 2023. “[He] stood in the pocket and delivered for us.”
Freiermuth and the Steelers, with some help, snuck into the playoffs under Rudolph in 2023. The former Oklahoma State Cowboy then started the 2023 wild card game. Though they ultimately lost to the Buffalo Bills, Rudolph earned a soft spot for Steelers fans.
Whether Rodgers joins or not remains a mystery. Regardless, those who watched the 2018 third-round pick’s quiet work ethic likely have the same faith Freiermuth displayed Tuesday.
Alan Saunders and Brendan Howe provided reporting from Pittsburgh.