The Pittsburgh Steelers' brass is hoping that the whole team can learn a thing or two from new quarterback Aaron Rodgers during the 2025 season. Some players have already been raving about the wealth of knowledge that he has been giving to his teammates during the little bit of time that he has been at the facilities for. The idea is that even though he is a bridge quarterback, his mentorship can lead to Pittsburgh reaching the next level under him and for a few years afterwards as well.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Tuesday June 10, 2025.
Will Howard has been the most vocal with praising Rodgers. However, he told Brian Batko of one particular issue he has with him and the main "downside" with being on a team with him.
"Howard admitted there’s a downside to it, however," Batko wrote. "Sometimes, he just has to look away when Rodgers makes a certain throw because it reminds him that his arm talent isn’t quite at that level."
There is a big difference between the two players. Rodgers has won four MVPs and a Super Bowl. Meanwhile, Howard was a sixth-round pick after just one notable season in college football, even though he won the National Championship. There is a lot for the rookie to learn from the 41-year-old, and that includes watching him make big-league throws that he has yet to even try.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' QBs Will Howard (left) and Aaron Rodgers (right) at mandatory mini camp.
Batko explained exactly the kind of throws that Rodgers has been making that has humbled Howard in training camp so far.
"There was one moment Friday when Rodgers subtly lowered his arm angle to avoid a leaping Keeanu Benton — trying to get his hands up for a batted pass — and fit the ball into a window to rookie running back Kaleb Johnson over the middle," Batko noted. "Rodgers also had one of his classic off-the-back-foot tosses to Darnell Washington after a play-fake."
There is not much that Rodgers has not seen or done in his career. The Steelers are hoping he can take some of that experience and utilize it with whatever he has left in the tank for the 2025 season, even if it means reminding Howard that he has a long way to go in development. Being a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL is a struggle in the first place, let alone being a perennial MVP.
Steelers Are Looking For Howard To Learn And Develop Quicker Thanks To Rodgers
Of course, Howard didn't mean those comments to be rude or obnoxious. He is still praising his mentor for the different kind of passes that he can still make. He never had to drop his arm angle to get by the defender with a sidearm throw, but now he can learn to do add that to his repertoire and use that to try and win a starting job somewhere later on in his career.
AP Photo / Michael Conroy
Steelers' Will Howard throwing the football during the NFL Combine.
Howard has already been impressing the fans at training camp, as he has quickly become a fan favorite. He appears to be a lock to make the 53-man roster, even if he would be kept as the third-string emergency quarterback. He will have the whole season to watch, learn, develop, and pick Rodgers' brain. Knowing him, he could even keep asking the veteran questions after he leaves the team.
Depending on where the Steelers draft in 2026, Howard could have a realistic chance at winning the starting job that year. Everyone knows that they want a franchise quarterback in the first round, but depending on where they fall in the draft compared to other passer-needy teams, they could end up passing on that position for another year. That would give the 2025 sixth-round pick a chance to prove himself to his peers and his coaches.
What do you think about Howard regularly being humbled by Rodgers' abilities? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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