Council Rudolph

Council Rudolph was born in Anniston, Alabama, and raised in a close-knit community where football was more than just a game—it was a way of life. He attended Cobb Avenue High School, where he stood out as a talented football player. During his final three seasons, the Panthers compiled an impressive 24-4-2 record. His standout play earned him a scholarship to Kentucky State University.

At Kentucky State, Rudolph became a dominant presence on the defensive line. As a senior in 1971, he helped lead the Thorobreds to an 8-3 record and a berth in the Orange Blossom Classic—the school’s first postseason appearance in two decades. That year, he served as team captain and was named an honorable mention All-American by the Pittsburgh Courier. His rare blend of size and speed drew the attention of NFL scouts, and he was selected in the seventh round of the 1972 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers.

Though drafted late, Rudolph carved out a solid six-year career in the NFL, appearing in 72 games with the Houston Oilers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He contributed both as a starter and a reliable rotational player. His best season came in 1977 with Tampa Bay, where he started all 14 games and recorded 6.5 sacks. Known for his physicality and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks, he was a valued asset on every defense he joined.

After retiring from football, Rudolph turned to entrepreneurship. In 1982, he founded The Check Casher, the first check cashing business in Tampa, Florida.

Rudolph earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health and physical education from Kentucky State. His athletic achievements were recognized with induction into the Kentucky State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Calhoun County (AL) Sports Hall of Fame in 2009.

Images from Alchetron, the free social encyclopedia and Topps Trading Cards 1976.
Biography by John T. Broome