Steelers Rookie Will Howard Ready to Share Spotlight with ‘Idol’ Aaron Rodgers

2024 CFP National champion Will Howard joined Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson in the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback room.

Steelers Rookie Will Howard Ready to Share Spotlight with ‘Idol’ Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers, Will Howard (Images via PennLive)

Ahead of the 2025 season, the Steelers faced a quarterback void after 2024 starters Russell Wilson and Justin Fields left for New York—Wilson to the Giants, Fields to the Jets. With Aaron Rodgers rumors swirling, Pittsburgh drafted Ohio State QB Will Howard in the sixth round as a backup and long-term project.

In a short time, Howard has impressed the Steelers coaching department. After the Steelers’ rookie mini-camp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, head coach Mike Tomlin admitted that the young 23-year-old showcased a good performance. However, the coach noted that the process involved more about knowing the skills and core strengths of the player.

As of now, the 2024 CFP National Champion is set to serve as a backup option to Mason Rudolph and Rodgers, if he signs. In a recent interview with Kay Adams of Up & Adams, Howard opened up on his feelings about playing backup to Rodgers.

That name’s been thrown around a lot. … [I] idolized him growing up. I don’t know what’s going to happen, who knows, that’s all over my head. You know, I’d love to be in a room and learn from him. Again, who knows what’s going to happen. I have no idea.

Will Howard said

Meanwhile, the four-time NFL MVP and former Green Bay Packers and New York Jets quarterback Rodgers revealed the reasons behind his delay in signing with the Steelers.

I’ve figured it out during the last year when I’ve been in the weeds with these people who are close to me that have cancer.

Aaron Rodgers said on a recent Joe Rogan episode

In the meantime, Will Howard is also receiving help from Ben Roethlisberger

There has been no quarterback in Pittsburgh in recent times like Ben Roethlisberger. The Ohio-native spent his whole career in Pittsburgh, starting for them from 2004 until hanging up his cleats in 2021. As a strong personality associated with the team, Roethlisberger has stepped up to help the young quarterbacks in the city more than once.

Will Howard
Will Howard (Image via Athlon Sports)

Will Howard, the rookie Steelers quarterback, has also sought the help of the former Super Bowl winning quarterback. In the interview with Kay Adams, he revealed that Roethlisberger and he shared the same agent who connected them.

Howard expressed immense adoration for the player and praised his efforts to mentor him and check in on him from time to time.

We actually have the same agent, so we got connected through that. He’s been really good. He’s been super supportive of me through this whole process… He texted me checking last week, you know, just been a really good mentor… He’s been super nice to me so far.

Howard told Kay Adams

He also opened up on his childhood and how Roethlisberger became an identity of Pittsburgh. Howard claimed that growing up, he likened Pittsburgh to Big Ben. He further stated that the stalwart played with grittiness and edge of a blue-collar city like Pittsburgh. Moreover, the rookie added that he wished to bring the same energy after noting that he did a pretty good job of it in Ohio State.

Although Will Howard might not start, the Steelers could hang on to him as a future talent. Even if they end up tanking the season, drafting a quality quarterback won’t be very easy considering the next quarterback class.

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