The Real Relationship Between Mason Rudolph and Mike Gundy

As the New England Patriots surged back against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI, Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph sent a text.

“Can you believe this is happening?” he wrote.

The text was to his coach Mike Gundy, who some might consider to be a little reclusive but actually stresses an “open-door policy” with his players. Whether they’re Heisman Trophy candidates or scout team walk-ons.

Rudolph said he and Gundy’s relationship has grown a lot since he got to Stillwater. He said learning how to bring up different thoughts has been important in creating a calmness and comfortability.

“I’ve been proactive in the way that I want to approach him about certain ideas, and he’s been very open to input throughout my career as well as coach (Mike) Yurcich,” Rudolph said.

Gundy didn’t share any text conversations he and Rudolph have had through the years but was complimentary of him during his press conference.

“We’re fortunate that we have an experienced quarterback that our team trusts,” Gundy said. “They have a lot of respect for him. He’s played injured throughout his career. He’s unselfish.”

That relationship might come in handy throughout the season, and if it does, it will all be traced to that open-door policy Gundy has implemented as part of his culture at OSU. Linebacker Chad Whitener said even on the plane ride to Frisco, Texas, for Big 12 Media Days on Tuesday, Gundy was cracking jokes, telling stories and listening to everything his players had to say back. All that counts and makes the experience that much more meaningful, he said.

“He’s never been a guy like, ‘I’m gonna be your head coach in the building and then not talk to you outside,'” Rudolph said. “He’s open, and he talks to any of us whenever we need anything.”