With the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, all eyes are on Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, especially after a standout season that included a national championship and more than 4,000 passing yards. Behind the success of this 6-foot-5 star is a strong family foundation — his parents, Bob and Maureen Howard, who have played a crucial role in shaping his journey.
Meet Will Howard’s Parents, Bob and Maureen Howard
Howard was born in West Chester and raised in Downingtown, Pa., in a home where dedication and discipline weren’t optional. His parents, Bob and Maureen, not only backed his athletic goals but also instilled the mindset that powers his performance today.
Maureen earned her master’s degree in physical therapy from Temple University. While she doesn’t have a sports background, her influence on Will’s journey is undeniable. She’s the former owner of Baby Merlin Company and now owns the Magic Sleepsuit, a product she co-created with Bob. As Will gained recognition at Ohio State, Maureen became known to fans as a symbol of unwavering support.
“We knew that the college football journey has highs and lows, and you have to be ready for the rollercoaster ride, so I think that prepared us like, ‘OK, let’s do it,’” she said before Ohio State’s pivotal matchup against Michigan.
Her commitment to Will’s journey, even without athletic experience, highlights the deep connection she shares with her son’s goals. She champions more than just performance — she stresses character. “There will be happy times, sad times, and all points in between,” she reflected, a mindset that has influenced Will’s calm presence as a quarterback.
Bob offers a different but just as valuable perspective. He holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Villanova University and has worked as a vice president at both Mellon Bank and M&T Bank. Like Maureen, he helped start Baby Merlin Company and co-created the Magic Sleepsuit.
It was Bob who first spotted Will’s potential. “Two years old, he was shooting baskets in the basement, making them. We said there’s something a little different about him,” he recalled. Even without a football background, Bob quickly saw his son’s exceptional talent.
Reflecting on Will’s rise, he said, “But never expected this really. This is a dream. It’s been a fun ride.”
But beyond stats and awards, the Howards always come back to perspective. “We always say to Will, you know, ‘great game.’ No matter how good the outcome is,” they shared. A reminder that effort and integrity matter most.
As Howard heads into the 2025 NFL Draft, his parents remain his loudest supporters, just like they’ve always been.