A rudder pedal mechanism is configured with foreign object strike tolerance and/or with an articulating brake. The foreign object strike tolerance is implemented via a force transfer mechanism that is responsive to an input force supplied to the rudder pedal. The force transfer mechanism is configured to supply a transfer force to a rudder position command unit when the input force is supplied in a first direction, and to not supply the transfer force to the rudder position command unit when the input force is supplied in the second direction and exceeds at least a predetermined force magnitude. The articulating brake is implemented via a brake rod assembly that is rotationally coupled to the rudder pedal, and includes a first rod that is rotationally coupled to the rudder pedal, and a second rod that surrounds at least a portion of the first rod.