Steelers QB Will Howard Delivers Powerful Words He Wants Fans To Hear Quickly

The Pittsburgh Steelers still aren't quite certain what they have at quarterback beyond Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph. In fact, Rudolph doesn't appear to be viewed by many as a realistic long-term option once Rodgers retires after the 2026 season. That could always change, but most speculation centers around 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard and 2026 third-round pick Drew Allar potentially battling to become the future of the franchise.

It won't be easy for either Howard or Allar, as both arrived at the next level with some significant concerns. Howard has generated a surprising amount of hype, which is rare for a sixth-round selection, and new head coach Mike McCarthy wasn't even the one who drafted him. Despite that, McCarthy has spoken very highly of Howard and, if you buy what he's selling, has suggested he would have taken the quarterback much earlier than the sixth round.

For Howard, the attention has been unusual, but he has embraced it and is excited for the opportunity to eventually prove to the fan base that he can be the team's future quarterback regardless of where he was drafted. While speaking during a Bank of America charity golf event on Monday, Howard told SteelerNation's Brandon Wallace what he wants fans to know about him despite not seeing preseason action or any meaningful regular-season snaps so far.

"It means a lot and obviously I can't really help the fact that I have not played yet," Howard said while speaking about the support from Steelers fans despite not stepping on the field. "I wish I could sit here and say that I have played in some games, but I can't really help that. There's nothing I can do about that. I just am thankful that they bring me out and I am doing these events even though I have not stepped on the field."

Howard understands all of the excitement surrounding him is based on potential rather than production at this moment in time. 

That's why he appears eager for the opportunity to finally put something on film for fans to evaluate.

"You know, for me, it just makes me real excited to give them something to cheer about because I just feel like everything has been speculation," Howard said. "It just motivates me to want to give the fans a reason to root for me because I have not been able to show that yet. It excites me because this is the year that I am going to go out there and hopefully get great snaps in the preseason and show the fan base that I am a guy that is worthy of being around for awhile."

Howard fell into the sixth round for a reason during the 2025 NFL Draft. There were concerns about his game at the NFL level, and those questions have not completely disappeared just because he has generated excitement in Pittsburgh.

Steelers Faithful Appear Super Optimistic On Howard

Still, that hasn't stopped Steelers faithful, respected pundits, insiders, and highly regarded coaches such as McCarthy from raving about what they believe the team has in Howard. The praise has been unusually strong for a player selected that late in the draft.

At the very least, Pittsburgh is excited to watch Howard and Allar battle it out over the next couple of seasons. The Steelers are hoping one of the two young quarterbacks can ultimately emerge and establish himself as the franchise's long-term answer at the position.

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