2019 proved to be Rodney Hudson’s most distinguished campaign in his eight-year career. Another season of sheer dominance with the Raiders led to the center’s first Associated Press All-Pro selection (Second Team).
The Raiders team captain was also voted to his third Pro Bowl in December. Last but not least, Hudson was also designated by his teammates as the recipient of the Commitment to Excellence Award for the third straight season.’
He’s the Captain Now
The tides of the NFL season proved to rock the Raiders vessel. Wave after wave and the offensive line steadied the ship from capsizing throughout the journey. From battering their former comrade Khalil Mack in London, to bludgeoning the Chargers at the Coliseum with 21 minutes of possession in the second half, Hudson led the Silver and Black brigade to safe harbor. The center steered the rudders and dropped anchor for the precious cargo, quarterback Derek Carr and rookie prodigy Josh Jacobs.
1st & 15, 4Q. Raiders protecting 7 point lead late. Watch this run by Josh Jacobs (@iAM_JoshJacobs). Sweep with pulling C/RG, LG cut backside, RT/TE down block. Jacobs has superior lower body strength to make these cuts. Good blocks by Hudson/Good.#Raiders #Raidernation pic.twitter.com/vP3sgu8tmq
— Ryan Holmes, MBA (@Rholm22) October 1, 2019
Thanks to Hudson, Jacobs has almost arrived at the port that is NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Perseverance Through the Journey
Throughout the 2019 voyage, Hudson, who was afflicted with injury in Week 8 against the Houston Texans, managed to miss only one game against the Lions and returned in Week 10 to battle Los Angeles. In the final primetime game in Oakland, Hudson visibly fought through injury against one of the toughest defensive fronts in the league.
.@Raiders @DCarr8 painted a masterpiece last night engineering a perfect game winning TD drive by simply taking what the defense gave him behind one of the best OL’s in the @NFL and finished off by a @iAM_JoshJacobs TD. This TEAM looks hungry to play in January #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/KHuk1xMj2G
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) November 8, 2019
When it mattered most, Hudson commandeered the Raiders crew into the right protections against some of the most relentless pass rushers. His perseverance and determination have led him not to allow a sack in back-to-back seasons. Pro Football Focus deemed him the highest graded center in pass protection with a 91.2 grade (best pass blocking season of his career) in 2019, five points higher than second place, Ben Jones.
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In addition, Hudson only allowed three pressures and one hit to Carr. Bottom line, the veteran may very well have made the first All-Pro team had he played in every game like Eagles center Jason Kelce did. To have as many penalties as you allow pressures all season? Hudson’s performance resonates through the entirety of Raider Nation.
A Decorated Pirate For The Raiders
While Hudson’s voyage with the Raiders through the 2019 season deserve accolades, there were other important events in the center’s personal life that deserve recognition as well.
Hudson earned his Masters’ Degree from Nova Southeastern University in June of 2019 and here’s what head coach Jon Gruden had to say shortly after the veteran achieved milestone.
“He’s graduated from pass protection [university], run blocking state, and now he’s got his master’s in business. That just certifies the kind of guy you’re dealing with here. He’s a great player on the field, one of our captains and true team leaders. He’s as tough a guy as we have. I’ve seen him play with kidney stones and various ailments. To get a master’s degree is a huge accomplishment and I compliment him until the days end. He’s special.”
His cerebral play led to a three-year, $33.75 million extension with $24.4 million in guaranteed money on August 30th of 2019.
In Review
For someone who played for the Chiefs for four years, Hudson has made his money with the Raiders. A man that played through kidney stones, amongst other countless injuries, is a welcoming steady pillar of omnipotent like play for the franchise. In a day and age where players sit out weeks with shin splints, the is a modern day ironman. Starting 59 consecutive games prior to his injury this year, his love for the Raiders and the game of football is transparent. At age 30, there are no signs of slowing down. The anchor ensured safer passage for all through the storm in 2019 and will continue to endure in 2020 and beyond in Las Vegas.