The Pittsburgh Steelers used their sixth-round draft pick to take quarterback Will Howard. The Ohio State product has generated a lot of excitement throughout the fan base. However, it’s always an uphill battle for a sixth-round quarterback to carve out a meaningful role in the NFL. Despite that, many believe Howard has the tools, mindset, and upside to defy the odds.
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Steelers' 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard celebrating during a game in college.
At rookie minicamp, Howard made his debut in black and gold and took the field with a sense of purpose. He has already caught the attention of coaches and teammates with his energy and focus. While the path to playing time won’t be easy, the early signs point to a quarterback who’s ready to compete and grow within the Steelers’ system.
Will Howard -- a true Steeler pic.twitter.com/V7cK9Fmpjg
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) May 9, 2025
Speaking to Steelers insider Mark Kaboly, Howard explained just how badly he wanted to land in Pittsburgh. He cited the team’s culture, its close proximity to home, and his admiration for Mike Tomlin as key reasons he was hoping to be drafted by the Steelers. For Howard, this wasn’t just a destination—it was the one place he truly wanted to be.
"I think everything," Howard said. "The culture—you know, it just fits who I am as a person and as a player. It’s close to home. I have a lot of connections to Pittsburgh. Coach T—I’ve always wanted to play for him."
As the draft progressed and Howard hadn’t yet heard his name called, clips from the Hey Rookie show started to go viral on social media. Fans quickly took notice of Howard’s growing anticipation, with many wondering where he would land.
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Ohio State QB Will Howard speaks to the media after winning the National Championship.
When the Steelers were coming up on the clock in the sixth round, Howard was pleading for them to take him and they did, making his dream a reality.
"Everything kind of just fell into place," Howard continued. "As the draft went on, you never know where you’re going to end up, but you keep a little spot in your heart for where you really want to go. I had a soft spot for Pittsburgh. I was hoping in my heart that they’d pick me."
Howard’s excitement wasn’t just about joining any NFL team; it was about joining the Steelers. The OSU product, who had always respected Pittsburgh’s culture, was hoping for this moment all along.
It’s clear that Howard’s passion for the Steelers runs deep, and that connection has only grown since his selection. He didn’t just want to be drafted; he wanted to be drafted by the team that he believed would bring out the best in him.
Steelers' Will Howard Hungry To Prove Many Wrong In Pittsburgh
Despite being a sixth-round pick, Howard isn’t taking his opportunity lightly. He knows the odds are stacked against him, with competition from veteran quarterbacks already on the roster. However, Howard’s mindset has always been about seizing every opportunity, and he's fully aware that his journey with the Steelers will require hard work and patience. Whether it's proving himself on the practice field or earning the trust of his coaches, Howard is committed to making the most of his time in Pittsburgh.
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Steelers' Will Howard celebrates after a big win in college with Kansas State.
With rookie camp underway, Howard has already started to show what he’s capable of. While it’s still early in the process, the buzz surrounding him is undeniable. The Steelers have always prided themselves on developing talent, and Howard’s determination, combined with the right system, could make him one of the most intriguing stories of the 2025 season.
For now, though, Howard is focused on proving that his dream of being a Steeler wasn’t just wishful thinking; it was destiny. Of course Howard's outlook for the 2025 season will depend largely on what Aaron Rodgers does.
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