:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59711869/usa_today_9411177.0.jpg)
There are some stories which feel more fabricated than real. While Ben Roethlisberger’s comments regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers selection of Mason Rudolph in the 2018 NFL Draft were a bit off, they likely didn’t require the media attention it garnered over the past week.
When Rudolph reported to rookie minicamp Friday, he had to know the cameras and reporters would be waiting to ask him about Roethlisberger’s comments. What fans found out was Roethlisberger reached out to Rudolph prior to minicamp, and wished him luck.
Mason Rudolph said Ben Roethlisberger texted him Thursday to wish him good luck and looked forward to meeting him. “It meant a lot,” Rudolph said.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 11, 2018
Finally! Steeler Nation can finally get some sleep knowing Roethlisberger reached out to Rudolph. While this story will now move its way to the backburner, it will likely be dug up when Roethlisberger reports to spring workouts in just a few weeks.
Time to check in on some other news and nuggets coming from the Steelers after Day 1 of rookie minicamp.
JuJu 2.0?
Washington looks from the neck down like JuJu. Massive calves. Sturdy.
— Will Graves (@WillGravesAP) May 11, 2018
It looks as if James Washington’s body type is turning some heads.
Take the high road
Last week, Ben Roethlisberger said of Mason Rudolph pick “maybe in the 3rd round, you know, you can get some really good football players that can help this team win now.”
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) May 11, 2018
Today, Rudolph gave perf answer when asked if he has to justify his selection. In a nutshell: No. #Steelers
#Steelers rookie QB Mason Rudolph said: "I don't feel I need to prove anything to anyone other than the coaches." James Washington, Rudolph's WR at @OSUAthletics, said the QB hearing doubts abt his selection "probably only make him hungrier. He is a strong-minded guy."
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) May 11, 2018
You knew the media would be waiting for Rudolph to say, or do something, wrong, but he didn’t budge. This kid took the high road...again.
Everything is going to be OK
More Rudolph on Roethlisberger:
— Will Graves (@WillGravesAP) May 11, 2018
"We're going to be friends and I'm going to let him do his thing and I'm going to try and pick up what I can from him but not bother him."#Steelers
Unless Ben Roethlisberger says, “I guess Mason doesn’t want to be friends with me.” is it safe to say this story can be taken out to pasture?
Things that make you go “Hmmmm”
Some tidbits of information from minicamp:
Noticed some interesting things on the first day of Steelers rookie minicamp: John Mitchell was on the field but stayed clear of the DL; the Steelers got a new contraption to film practice; DHB and Hilton watched the entire practice. That's about it
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) May 11, 2018
Quick takes off of first #Steelers rookie minicamp practice (which of course is in shorts): Terrell Edmunds has some obvious leadership abilities. Mason Rudolph is a perfectionist. Mike Tomlin seemed to be having a jolly good time. (He laughed. A bunch.)
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) May 11, 2018
Photos:
.@steelers 1st round pick Terrell Edmunds, 2nd rounder James Washington and 3rd rounder Mason Rudolph during rookie camp. pic.twitter.com/Dd1j3O8xji
— Charles Palla (@ChazPalla) May 11, 2018
Mike Hilton talking to Keith Butler during rookie minicamp. pic.twitter.com/YOtfJz7WbY
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) May 11, 2018
Video:
Video of Mason Rudolph’s talking about Ben Roethlisberger texting him on eve of rookie minicamp pic.twitter.com/9WZQVq0yMA
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) May 11, 2018