Will Howard’s NFL journey is just beginning, but he already has a Steelers legend in his corner. The rookie quarterback out of Ohio State, taken in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, knows the path ahead won’t be easy. Pittsburgh’s quarterback room is crowded, the depth chart uncertain, and the shadow of a potential Aaron Rodgers signing looms. But if Howard is going to stick in the NFL, he’s embracing the challenge the only way he knows how — by adopting the grit and edge that once defined Ben Roethlisberger’s tenure.
Howard’s connection to Roethlisberger isn’t just symbolic. The two share an agent, and shortly after being drafted, Howard was invited to Roethlisberger’s house to appear on the former quarterback’s popular “Footbahlin” podcast. That moment — and the mentorship that’s followed — could prove foundational for Howard’s development in Pittsburgh.
Steelers Rookie Will Howard Finds Guiding Hand in Ben Roethlisberger — and a New Goal
During a May 14 appearance on “Up & Adams” at the NFL Rookie Premiere, Howard spoke about his early impressions of life in Pittsburgh — and the surreal experience of connecting with the quarterback he grew up idolizing.
“He’s been really good. He’s been super supportive of me through this whole process,” Howard said of Roethlisberger. “Getting to know him, he’s been really helpful to me. [He’s been] texting me, checking in. I can see him being a really good mentor for me going forward.”
It’s a welcome support system for a rookie who faces an uphill climb. Howard is currently QB2 on the Steelers’ unofficial offseason depth chart, backing up Mason Rudolph. Skylar Thompson is also in the mix, and if Aaron Rodgers signs after minicamp, Howard could slide to QB3 or QB4 entering training camp. Still, he’s focused on growth, not speculation.
When asked by host Kay Adams what he believes the Steelers organization and its fan base need from him, Howard didn’t hesitate.
“They need a gritty guy,” he said. “For me, growing up and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was Big Ben. He was that guy — he was Pittsburgh, the Steel City, the blue collar, the gritty guy. I wanna be that, too. I wanna bring that edge, that energy. I did a pretty good job at Ohio State, and I pride myself on that. I’m gonna try to bring it to the Steel City.”
The first time Will Howard stepped inside Ben Roethlisberger’s home… 👀@heykayadams | @whoward_ | @PaniniAmerica pic.twitter.com/IUUoh7nPzZ
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow)
Howard said meeting Roethlisberger at his house — and seeing the hardware — was a moment that made things real.
“Obviously, he’s got an unbelievable house,” Howard recalled. “I walk in there and I see two Lombardi trophies and just, like, a zillion Steelers 7 jerseys. And I was like, ‘Wow, I want to, hopefully someday, have something like that in my house.’”
Howard will have his chance to prove himself soon. Steelers OTAs begin May 27, with mandatory minicamp following on June 10. Whether Rodgers joins the team or not, Howard ensures his presence and attitude are already felt.