Will Howard is only three days into his NFL career, but he’s already showing the kind of heart that could win over a locker room. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 185 overall on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft, the rookie quarterback is preparing for the biggest challenge of his young career. But behind the scenes, it’s a quiet, personal tradition that helps him stay grounded before he runs through the tunnel.
While most players rely on hype music, team chants, or intense focus routines, Howard’s pregame ritual is far more personal and emotional. It’s a tribute to the woman who helped shape his journey, and it’s something he’s determined to carry with him into his NFL career.
Will Howard Plays Every Game With His Grandmother’s Voice in His Ear
Before every game, Howard listens to the final voicemail his late grandmother left him — not once, but twice.
“My pregame ritual, I listen to the last voicemail that my grandmother sent me two times before every game,” Howard shared with ESPN. “It really just brings a calmness and peace over me.”
🙏 🙏
Will Howard before every game listens to the last voicemail that his grandmother sent him #steelers pic.twitter.com/5hWky8rtrd
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) April 28, 2025
On the recording, his grandmother’s warm voice speaks a heartfelt message: “Hiya Will, it’s Nana. Just want to wish you good luck. I’m rootin’ for you. Take care, Will. I love you, and hopefully we’ll talk soon.”
Throughout every stage of his football journey — from high school to Kansas State — Howard’s grandmother was a constant presence, attending games and cheering him on from the stands. Her passing in 2022 was devastating, but that season, Howard and the Wildcats rallied to win the Big 12 Championship.
“It was a tough season, but we [Kansas State] went on to win a Big-12 championship that year,” Howard said. “A big reason I think we did was I felt her hand on me the whole time.”
That feeling still remains as he steps into the professional ranks — Howard said he has no plans to change what’s worked. “Continuing into the NFL, I’m definitely gonna keep that pregame ritual going.”
Even now, the memory brings out raw emotion. “It gets me every time,” a choked-up Howard admitted. “She means the world to me. She’s got a special place in my heart.”
Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Praises Howard’s ‘Leadership’
The Steelers had a chance — actually, four of them — to land Shedeur Sanders during the 2025 NFL Draft. Instead, they passed on the former Colorado star each time, opting to wait until late on Day 3 to address the quarterback position. Sanders had gone 44 picks earlier to the Cleveland Browns. When Pittsburgh finally made the move for a QB, it was for Howard, who now joins its wide-open quarterback room.
During his post-draft press conference, Mike Tomlin pointed to Howard’s resilience during Ohio State’s turbulent 2024 campaign as a significant selling point to taking a flier on the 6’4 signal-caller.
“I think, like a lot of people, how [Howard] responded to that adversity at the end of [Ohio State’s] regular season, and the leadership, and playmaking that he displayed throughout the playoffs was really attractive, and it’s really what NFL football is about,” Tomlin said. “There’s going to be some adversity. How you respond to it defines you and your football team, particularly from the quarterback position.”
The decision to take Howard at No. 185 signals a long-term view for the Steelers, who are still very much unsettled under center. Mason Rudolph is currently penciled in as QB1, with Skylar Thompson and now Howard rounding out the depth chart. Of course, the looming possibility of Aaron Rodgers entering the fold would change things.
Pittsburgh doesn’t have a strong track record of developing quarterbacks, so Howard’s chances of becoming more than a backup in the Steel City appear slim.