Will Howard’s NFL journey is just beginning, but he’s already got a Pittsburgh legend in his corner.
The former Ohio State quarterback, selected by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, enters a crowded and uncertain quarterback room.
With veterans Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson ahead of him – and rumors swirling about a possible Aaron Rodgers signing – Howard knows his path to playing time won’t be simple.
Still, the rookie isn’t backing down from the challenge. In fact, he’s embracing it – and drawing inspiration from one of the most iconic Steelers in franchise history: Ben Roethlisberger.
Howard’s connection to Roethlisberger goes beyond admiration. The two quarterbacks share an agent, and shortly after being drafted, Howard was invited to Roethlisberger’s home to appear on his podcast, Footbahlin.
That meeting marked the beginning of what could be a vital mentorship.
“He’s been really good. He’s been super supportive of me through this whole process,” Howard said of Big Ben. “Getting to know him, he’s been really helpful to me. [He’s been] texting me, checking in. I can see him being a really good mentor for me going forward.”
Howard, who grew up watching Roethlisberger, called the experience of visiting his home surreal – especially when confronted with the trophies and memorabilia that defined a Hall of Fame career.
“Obviously, he’s got an unbelievable house,” Howard said. “I walk in there and I see two Lombardi trophies and just, like, a zillion Steelers 7 jerseys. And I was like, ‘Wow, I want to, hopefully someday, have something like that in my house.’”
As for how Howard plans to carve out his place in Pittsburgh, he’s focused on embodying the toughness and attitude that defined Big Ben’s era.
“They need a gritty guy,” he said. “For me, growing up and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was Big Ben. He was that guy – he was Pittsburgh, the Steel City, the blue collar, the gritty guy.
“I wanna be that, too. I wanna bring that edge, that energy. I did a pretty good job at Ohio State, and I pride myself on that. I’m gonna try to bring it to the Steel City.”
Howard’s mindset will be tested soon enough.
The Steelers’ organized team activities kick off May 27, with mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 10.
Whether the quarterback room shifts again with the possible arrival of Rodgers or not, Howard is determined to make his presence known – with grit, growth, and maybe a little guidance from No. 7.
Howard looks every bit the part of an old-school Steelers quarterback … Regardless of what happens with Rodgers, what are your realistic expectations for Howard big-picture-wise in Pittsburgh???
