Will Howard’s Steep Climb with the Steelers:
You know, Will Howard’s situation with the Pittsburgh Steelers is a real nail-biter. This rookie quarterback—fresh out of Ohio State where he was starring under those Friday night lights—finds himself on a precarious path toward carving out his future with the team. Despite that storied collegiate career, even leading the Buckeyes to a national championship, he’s somewhat of a late bloomer in the NFL. The stakes are high as he strives to veer off a path most sixth-rounders never escape.
I recall hearing Ben Roethlisberger on “Footbahlin,” sharing nuggets of wisdom—or warnings, maybe—about Howard’s uphill trek in the NFL. Big Ben’s words were as solid and unmistakable as a Heinz Field goalpost: “Will Howard is behind the eight-ball, big time, being a sixth-rounder,” he asserted, not mincing words. And he layered on the pressure, suggesting Howard needs a shot at real game-time action, possibly at the whim of an injury to Aaron Rodgers—though of course, no one’s rooting for that kind of drama. Let’s be real, Pittsburgh isn’t known for sentimental decisions. If Howard doesn’t seize a shot, the franchise might just scour the NFL Draft for a shiny new quarterback.
Talk about a rock and a hard place.
Now, Big Ben has some wins and rings to his name, so when he offers advice, even in terse tones, it commands attention. He’s thrown Howard a lifeline, true, but Roethlisberger also underscored a harsh truth: success isn’t guaranteed. The quarterback carousel spins fast—only a few gems, like Dak Prescott or Brock Purdy, rise from those later rounds to claim the starting job. Steelers management is not shy about their plans for next year—eyeing a top-tier QB prospect. If Howard doesn’t stun us soon, he might find himself on a shaky footing.
Preseason Opportunities and Development
Yet, there’s a silver lining, albeit a slim one. While starting this season seems a distant fantasy—barring some bizarre twist of fate—Howard is expected to soak up every morsel of experience during the preseason. Sharing a locker room with the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph could be invaluable. The Steelers’ playbook is a hefty read, full of exotic RPOs and intricate route trees, and learning alongside veteran minds may just be his golden ticket. The coaching staff is watching, keen as hawks. If Howard shows even a glimpse of brilliance, maybe—and it’s a big maybe—he could be in line to start by the 2026 season, assuming any fresh rookie still needs time to marinate.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and Howard is armed with the skills to go the distance. But, like any rugged journey through the steel city, it’s fraught with potholes and detours. Grit, sheer determination, and a dash of good fortune might just help him leap hurdles, define his path, and make a home in this storied franchise. Will he transcend the odds? Will he etch his name alongside Steelers greats? It remains a riveting tale to watch unfold. For now, we can only wait and see if Howard turns potential into legend, securing his role in the Steelers’ narrative.
