While Aaron Rodgers signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers was dominating the news cycle, Mason Rudolph was talking baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday afternoon at PNC Park.
The Steelers quarterback, along with tight end Connor Heyward, chatted with Pirates relievers David Bednar and Chase Shugart about everything from favorite restaurants to warmup routines as Rudolph prepared to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Pirates’ game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
But Rudolph couldn’t escape questions about Rodgers, especially with ESPN’s Adam Schefter reporting that the four-time NFL MVP quarterback was at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Saturday afternoon to sign a one-year, $13.65 million contract that includes $10 million guaranteed and has a maximum value of $19.5 million.
“I had a feeling they were going to bring somebody in. Obviously, Aaron was at the forefront of the conversation for a long time,” said Rudolph, who returned to the Steelers on a two-year, $8 million contract in March after playing for the Tennessee Titans last season.
“It won’t change my approach. We’ve got one more week of practice coming up, our mandatory minicamp. It will be nice to get everybody in the building. I’ll keep doing what I’ve done my whole career. I’ve had plenty of adversity and found a way to battle through it. I stayed ready to play well when called upon.”
Steelers QB Mason Rudolph and TE Connor Heyward hanging with Pirates relievers Chase Shugart and David Bednar on the field before BP at Pirates-Phillies game at PNC Park. pic.twitter.com/d8zvtVGlWc
— Kevin Gorman (@KevinGormanPGH) June 7, 2025
The 41-year-old Rodgers is a four-time MVP and 10-time Pro Bowl pick who ranks first in NFL history in passer rating, fifth in passing touchdowns and seventh in passing yards. Rudolph knows the addition of Rodgers likely means he will be the backup this season.
“It provides clarity,” Rudolph said. “I’m excited to see a lot of the faces that are coming back, obviously Aaron. I’m just going to keep doing my job — that’s all I can do — and try to help my team win games.”
Rudolph said he’s met Rodgers “a few times” after games through his seven seasons in the league, adding “he’s always been first-class.” Rudolph wasn’t sure what type of reception to expect from Pirates fans for his ceremonial first pitch, admitting his concentration was elsewhere.
“I just want to throw a strike,” Rudolph said. “Please don’t look at the (radar) gun. We’re just going to try to get it in there over the plate.”
