Steelers' Will Howard Already Making Huge Impact In Pittsburgh Community

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a lot of uncertainty at the quarterback position this offseason. This led to many rumors, reports, and speculation that the Steelers might target a quarterback early in the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite several opportunities to do so, the team waited until the sixth round to select former Kansas State and Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, betting on his long-term potential rather than using a premium pick.

A couple of months after drafting Howard, the quarterback picture changed dramatically. Future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers announced he was signing with the Steelers for the 2025 season, ending months of speculation. With Rodgers now leading the offense and Howard learning behind him, excitement has been building across Pittsburgh as fans eagerly anticipate the new era of Steelers football.

On Monday, Howard spoke to the media following a special event where the Steelers' rookie class spent time with children from the Best of the Batch Foundation, led by former Steelers backup quarterback Charlie Batch. The event was a meaningful experience for the young signal-caller, highlighting the foundation’s impact on the local community. It was another sign of how quickly Howard is embracing the city and the opportunity in front of him.

"Anytime I get to give back, especially with kids, I just love working with kids," Howard said. "You know I think of myself when I was in their shoes and how much that impacted me. Just even meeting professional athletes can be life-changing for them. One little moment for us that doesn’t mean much for us, is huge for them."

Howard arrives in the Steel City as a sixth-round pick, but many fans have not treated him like one. It is rare for a late-round quarterback in a weak quarterback class to generate this much hype, yet Howard has been the exception. 

His strong college career and leadership qualities have caught the attention of Steelers fans who are eager for a promising talent to develop behind Rodgers. While the idea that he will become the face of the Steelers franchise might be a stretch, he carries a quiet confidence that has already connected with the fan base and sparked excitement in Pittsburgh.

Now Howard has the opportunity to learn from Rodgers, a four-time league MVP with nearly two decades of NFL experience. The 41-year-old veteran has publicly committed to mentoring Howard, a commitment that speaks volumes about the trust and respect Rodgers has for his young teammate. 

That kind of guidance is invaluable, especially for a rookie quarterback trying to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL. Howard will benefit from Rodgers’s knowledge of the game, work ethic, and leadership both on and off the field. Whether Howard eventually becomes a reliable backup or something more, the Steelers got great value by selecting him in the sixth round.

Steelers' Will Howard Has Faith He Can Make It In The NFL

Despite the odds, Howard prepares every day like he could be the future of the franchise. He has shown determination, work ethic, and a willingness to learn from veterans which is exactly what the Steelers look for in a young player. His attitude and preparation have impressed the coaching staff and teammates alike. 

This mindset is one of the reasons the Steelers felt confident enough to draft him, trusting that he will maximize his potential in Pittsburgh. For the fans, Howard represents hope, a possible long-term answer at quarterback and a player who embraces the city’s rich football tradition. As he continues to develop, many will be watching closely to see if Howard can rise beyond the expectations of a typical sixth-round pick and carve out a meaningful role with the Steelers down the road.

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