The Pittsburgh Steelers made the move to draft quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite having multiple opportunities to select a top-tier quarterback earlier, the Steelers waited patiently, believing the right fit would come later. That gamble appears to have paid off, as Howard is now viewed as one of the draft’s biggest value picks—a sneaky, experienced quarterback with leadership traits and untapped potential.
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Steelers' Will Howard runs on the field during his time playing with the Buckeyes in college.
One of the qualities that drew the Steelers to Howard was his resilience and maturity in the face of adversity. During a high-stakes regular season game against Oregon, Howard made a costly mistake by sliding short of the first-down marker with the clock running out—an error that effectively ended the game and went viral. The moment became a national talking point, and Howard faced harsh criticism in the aftermath. However, instead of shying away, he owned the mistake and used it as motivation to grow both as a player and a leader.
Recently, Howard and teammate Jack Sawyer sat down with Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger on his podcast Footbahlin. During the episode, Howard revisited that infamous college game and offered insight into what was going through his mind during the play.
"In my head, I'm like, we need 15, I can't throw that," Howard said in regards to not taking a checkdown option. "So I pump-faked it to him, and I'm like, alright, I'm gonna just take off and see what I can get and see how far I can get. I remember looking up and seeing it tick from two to one, and I tried to get a little extra yard, and then I got down."
He explained how that moment taught him the importance of situational awareness and accountability.
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Steelers' Will Howard throws a pass during his final college season in 2024.
For the Steelers, that kind of self-reflection and growth mindset was exactly what they were looking for in a developmental quarterback—someone who can learn from failure and come back stronger.
"Something I like to hang my hat on is my ability to deal with adversity," said Howard. "I think in my career, at K-State and then at Ohio State this past year, I've seen pretty much every situation that a quarterback can see. I started off as a backup. I got thrown in as a true freshman, and didn't know what the he** I was doing. I got benched. I've been a third string. I've been a freaking starter, coming in and winning the championship. And then, you know, having a guy come in and split time with you. I've seen almost every situation."
Roethlisberger loved the Steelers’ decision to draft Howard and was genuinely excited to sit down and talk with him. Roethlisberger admitted that when the pick was made, he was already a fan—largely because of how Howard responded to his infamous mistake against the Ducks. That kind of error can define a player’s career, but in Howard’s case, Roethlisberger saw it as a turning point that made him stronger. Apparently, the Steelers saw the same thing.
Steelers' Will Howard Hungry To Prove Doubters Wrong
Howard isn't expected to be an instant success story in the NFL. He'll likely spend a couple of seasons as a backup, waiting for an opportunity. However, if that opportunity comes, he might just be the kind of player who runs with it. He doesn’t have elite arm strength or flashy tools, and he’s not considered a special talent at the position. Still, Howard plays the game the right way—he’s a true leader, and he has a knack for elevating the players around him.
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Ohio State QB Will Howard speaks to the media after winning the National Championship.
One of the most exciting things about Howard is his work ethic and determination. Steelers fans are eager to see what kind of career he can carve out in Pittsburgh. It’s never easy climbing the ladder as a sixth-round quarterback, but Howard is clearly motivated to prove everyone wrong—and he just might do it.
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