The Pittsburgh Steelers decided to draft rookie quarterback Will Howard out of The Ohio State University in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. While the former National Champion is still learning the ropes of the NFL, he has gotten some help from the legend sitting a few spots ahead of him on the depth chart. Four-time MVP signal-caller Aaron Rodgers has made it a point to assist his younger teammate in any way that he can. Even while Howard has been out since the summer due to a broken finger, he has still made it a point to follow along with what the former Super Bowl MVP is doing in the meeting rooms, at practice, and in games.
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Steelers quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers (8) and Will Howard (18) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Howard spoke with the Pittsburgh media on Thursday about how Rodgers has helped him along early on in his career, saying:
"He's been awesome," Howard said. "He's been so gracious with his time, his energy, towards me. Anytime I ask him a little question, just something little, he'll dive into a whole response about why he does this and what it's good for. It seems like he just cares, and he cares about giving back, which is rare. I really, really appreciate that because not all people are like that, and it shows what kind of person he is."
For those who felt like Rodgers was a bad teammate or a terrible leader, they might want to listen to Howard's response a few times over. As he noted, not all NFL quarterbacks, or even people, are willing to help someone else who could potentially take over their job grow. It is clear that Rodgers, in the twilight of his career, is focused on two things.
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Steelers quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers (8) and Will Howard (18) during practice in 2025.
One is helping Pittsburgh win now, and the other is helping those around him get better. This should excite the fans of Pittsburgh, knowing they currently have a great quarterback playing for them, and they also could have one in the future because of the knowledge that Rodgers is passing down.
Steelers' Will Howard Should Be The Future In Pittsburgh
The NFL is a week-to-week and year-to-year league, which is why nothing is ever a certainty. However, there is a reason why the Steelers decided to draft Howard. They believe in his ability and think he can be a real player for them in the future. He also guided the Buckeyes to a National Championship, which is something that current and former NFL quarterbacks like Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and C.J. Stroud were unable to do in Columbus. Not only does the former Buckeye have the size at 6'4", but he also has the big-game experience. He recorded 42 total touchdowns and over 4,000 passing yards while playing for head coach Ryan Day in 2024.
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Steelers' Will Howard throws a pass during his final college season in 2024.
Perhaps the Steelers are getting the same type of feeling that they had about Ben Roethlisberger back in the day. Of course, the former Miami of Ohio quarterback went on to become a two-time Super Bowl champion and had an 18-year career in the Steel City. Howard is another big-bodied quarterback who played college football in the state of Ohio. Furthermore, he played five years of college football, including four at Kansas State. Howard's size and experience, combined with the tutelage from Rodgers, should give him a great chance to succeed in Pittsburgh once his mentor decides to hang up his cleats in the next year or two.
For now, all he needs to focus on is staying healthy and being his best self. That includes flourishing in meeting rooms and at practice. If he can do that, he'll be in a great spot moving forward, and Rodgers would certainly deserve some more partial credit for that.
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