It was a rather confusing few months to be a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. After not adding any quarterback through the first five rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, even with potential first-round pick Shedeur Sanders still on the board, the Steelers finally took a shot in the sixth round with Will Howard at 185.
The move sparked speculation that the front office was leaving the door open to sign veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Months passed without a deal, and Howard began gaining momentum as a possible Week 1 starter. However, with Rodgers officially on the roster, Howard recently shared what it’s been like working alongside the four-time MVP at Steelers minicamp.
Is Aaron Rodgers Taking a Mentorship Role to Will Howard?
A five-year collegiate career didn’t see Howard jump off the page during his first four years as a member of the Kansas State Wildcats. However, a shift to Ohio State in his final year expanded his numbers dramatically.
Putting up 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns on a blistering 73.1% completion percentage and just 10 interceptions, Howard was a critical piece to the Buckeyes’ winning the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Entering the Steelers locker room, it felt like the sixth-round pick might be expected to contribute immediately, especially after coaches and trainers were wowed by his demeanor.
However, Rodgers’s arrival has shifted the timeline, at least a little. Now, the four-time MVP will be the starter for the 2025 season, as Howard takes a backseat to the former Super Bowl champion.
However, the rookie has already become a fan in their limited interactions. During an appearance on the “Chipped Ham & Football Podcast,” Howard spoke about his surprising interaction with Rodgers at their first summer activity, mandatory minicamp.
His awe for the legend was apparent as he spoke about their interactions in training rooms.
“When we went into the team meeting room for unit meetings, I had an open seat next to me, and there came Aaron,” Howard said. “I just thought it was pretty cool that he was willing to sit next to me.”
That said, there was one thing, in particular, that stood out to the youngster.
“A couple of things he was just asking me for clarification on,” Howard shared, and that alone blew the former Buckeye away. “Aaron Rodgers is asking me questions right now. Like what? And I’m answering. I’m like, ‘What is going on?’ But it’s awesome.”
For now, Rodgers is firmly in place as the Steelers’ starting quarterback. But with the veteran on the other side of 40, it might not be long before the Steelers need a new name under center. If Howard continues to develop and makes the most of his time learning from a four-time MVP, he could be the one to eventually succeed Rodgers.
