Full-back Hudson spent some time with Walkden Central and Ashton National before being offered a chance of First Division football by Manchester United in 1913. He made his United debut on 24 January 1914 in a 2-2 draw at Oldham, going on to make a further eight appearances that season. He played twice more in 1914/15 but then faded out of the picture at old Trafford and spent some time at Tranmere.

After enlisting in the Army at the start of the First World War, Hudson became a Gunner.

In 1916, while in training locally, Leeds City asked Hudson to guest for them and he made his debut on 2 September at home to Leicester Fosse. Following the 2-2 draw, JRB reported in the Leeds Mercury: 'Hudson of Manchester United, who partnered Copeland at full-back, is a resolute defender. He greatly strengthened the defence.'

He played in eleven of City's first 13 games, but lost his place to Newcastle United defender, Billy Hampson, and left the club.

After the resumption of official peacetime football in 1919, Hudson signed for Second Division Stockport County. He made eleven appearances for them before moving into non-league football with Aberdare Athletic.

He died in January 1945.