Brett Mason Rudolph III Bio
Brett Mason Rudolph III is an American professional football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, winning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award during his last year before being drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft. Rudolph has also played for the Tennessee Titans. From 2018 to 2022, Rudolph primarily served as a backup, making occasional starts. He re-signed with the Steelers in 2023 and spent most of the season as the third-string quarterback before being named the starter late in the season. Rudolph led the Steelers to three consecutive wins, setting a franchise record for completion percentage in the final regular-season game and started in the Steelers’ Wild Card matchup against the Buffalo Bills. After one season in Tennessee, Rudolph returned to Pittsburgh in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Brett Mason Rudolph III was born on July 17, 1995, in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He was named after his father and grandfather and is not related to the former golfer Mason Rudolph. Rudolph attended Westminster Catawba Christian School before transferring to Northwestern High School in Rock Hill. During his high school career, he passed for 10,986 yards and 132 touchdowns, leading his team to a 15–0 record and a 4A State Championship. He was rated a four-star recruit by Rivals.com and committed to Oklahoma State University to play college football.
Path to American Football
Rudolph entered his freshman season at Oklahoma State in 2014 as a third-string quarterback. After injuries to the starters, he made his first career start against the Baylor Bears, completing 13-of-25 passes for 281 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. He became the starter for the remainder of his college career, finishing with 13,618 passing yards, 92 touchdowns, and 26 interceptions. In 2017, he led the NCAA with 4,904 passing yards and received multiple accolades, including the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and the Sammy Baugh Trophy.
Brett Mason Rudolph III Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Brett Mason Rudolph III in the third round (76th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract with the team and began his career as a backup quarterback. Rudolph made his NFL debut in Week 2 of the 2019 season, throwing for 112 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He became the starting quarterback after Ben Roethlisberger suffered a season-ending injury, finishing the 2019 season with 1,765 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
Breakthrough (2023–Present)
After spending the 2022 season as a third-string quarterback, Rudolph re-signed with the Steelers in 2023. He was named the starter late in the season and led the team to three consecutive victories, including a playoff appearance. In the Wild Card Round against the Buffalo Bills, he completed 22-of-39 passes for 229 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Rudolph’s performance helped solidify his position as a key player for the Steelers moving forward.
Notable Works and Milestones
Brett Mason Rudolph III’s signature achievements include winning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and leading the NCAA in passing yards during his final college season. His notable moments in the NFL include his strong performances as a starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers, particularly during the late 2023 season.
Brett Mason Rudolph III Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Brett Mason Rudolph III has received several nominations and awards, including the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and the Sammy Baugh Trophy, both in 2017, recognizing his outstanding performance as a college quarterback.
Brett Mason Rudolph III Awards Won
Brett Mason Rudolph III has won multiple awards during his college career, including the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and the Sammy Baugh Trophy in 2017. He was also named the Camping World Bowl MVP in the same year.
Brett Mason Rudolph III Family
Brett Mason Rudolph III is the son of Brett and Jamie Rudolph. He grew up in a supportive family environment that encouraged his athletic pursuits.
Personal Life
Rudolph is a Christian and has maintained friendships with notable athletes, including basketball player Luke Maye and quarterback Drake Maye, whose fathers played college football together at North Carolina in the 1980s.
