Rodney Hudson

Rodney Hudson's Biography

William Rodney Hudson, born in Mobile, Alabama on July 12, 1989, has evolved into a distinguished player in the world of American professional football. This talented athlete has dedicated his life since high school to the sport, showcasing his skills in multiple teams and becoming a free agent. His life’s path has not been without its struggles, and his success stands testament to his hard work, determination, and commitment.

In high school, Hudson demonstrated his talents as a two-way lineman for B. C. Rain High School’s Raiders team. Not just a standout player on offense, Hudson also shone on defense, managing 55 tackles as a defensive tackle. Amidst tackling football and schoolwork, he also balanced night shifts at a local Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet to support his single mother.

Valued as the 17th best center in the country and rated three stars by Rivals.com and Scout.com, Hudson chose to play for Florida State University Freely. During his tenure from 2007-2010, Hudson, under the guidance of Coach Bobby Bowden and Coach Jimbo Fisher, managed to earn the ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week title as a freshman in 2007. Year after year, he made significant contributions to the team, from earning a first-team All-ACC selection in 2008, winning the ACC Jacobs Blocking Award in 2009 as the league’s most dominant offensive lineman, to being named a unanimous first-team All-American in 2010.

In 2011, Hudson said goodbye to FSU as the most decorated offensive lineman in Seminole history, top listed as the best Center and the 52nd overall prospect in the NFL Draft. He was selected in the second round by the Kansas City Chiefs, marking the start of his professional career.

In Kansas City, Hudson had his baptism by fire, debuting in the team’s season opening, and then earning his first career start later that year. Following a season cut short by injuries, Hudson bounced back in 2013 to become the Chiefs’ starting center. The following year, he had his first playoff game and completed his first regular season playing 16 games while being recognized as one of the top centers of 2014.

Hudson signed with the Oakland Raiders in March 2015, where he excelled as one of the best pass blockers at center. He continued to display his exceptional performance in 2016 and was selected for his first Pro Bowl. The subsequent year, Hudson was again named to the Pro Bowl, proving his consistency.

In 2019, Hudson signed a lucrative contract extension with the Raiders that made him the highest-paid center in the NFL. The following year bore a different set of challenges, as he was briefly placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, only to be activated two days later.

In March 2021, Hudson, along with a seventh-round selection, was traded to the Arizona Cardinals, where he was named as the starting center. His season was interrupted by rib and shoulder injuries, which led to his placement on injured reserve, but he was activated soon after.

In 2022, despite contemplating retirement in the offseason, Hudson returned as the Cardinals’ starting center. His career, however, was again impacted by injuries which saw him being placed on injured reserve. Throughout his illustrious career, Hudson’s dedication to the sport and determination to overcome adversity has proved him a true asset to American football. Hudson’s journey reaffirms that with hard work, perseverance, and a passion for the game, success in professional sports is within reach.