Starting a career in the NFL is hard enough. Sustaining one is even harder. With the average career lasting just over three years, the margin for error is razor-thin. Between the constant threat of injury, coaching changes, and performance dips, even talented players can find themselves on the outside looking in. That’s why the approach a rookie brings to the game can make all the difference — and Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard is showing early signs that he gets it.
Howard, a national champion from Ohio State, is entering his first NFL season with the one thing many young quarterbacks wish they had: a clear head and a veteran mentor who’s been there, done that, and still has plenty of wisdom to offer.
That mentor just happens to be future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, who’s now donning black and gold in what may be the final chapter of his storied career.
For Howard, the chance to learn from a 41-year-old Super Bowl champion isn’t just a bonus — it’s the blueprint.
"I'm going into this season wanting to learn everything I can from Aaron Rodgers," Howard said in an interview with Pat McAfee and his crew on Friday.
It’s a mature perspective from a rookie, especially one currently sidelined with a finger injury on his throwing hand. The Steelers placed Howard on injured reserve to begin the season — a tough pill for most rookies, but one Howard is using as a silver lining.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the perfect position to develop Will Howard the right way
While others might be eager to rush back or frustrated at the setback, Howard is leaning into the long game. His mentality is refreshingly simple: learn, absorb, and be ready when the time comes.
Rodgers’ presence in Pittsburgh is already having an impact, both in the locker room and on the field. His willingness to mentor a potential successor shows a level of leadership not often seen in aging quarterbacks with legacy concerns.
For Rodgers, this isn’t just about playing out the clock — it’s about leaving something behind.
Howard, for his part, is listening. The young quarterback is taking mental reps, watching film alongside Rodgers, and approaching every meeting with intention. He’s not just waiting for his turn — he’s preparing for it.
And Steelers fans should take comfort in that.
The future of the franchise is quietly being molded behind the scenes, and it’s clear Howard has the right mindset to make a lasting impact. Resting this season may not be ideal, but in the long run, it could be the smartest move the Steelers make.
If Howard continues to show this level of maturity and patience, combined with the tools he already possesses, Pittsburgh may have found its quarterback of the future. It’s early, but Will Howard is already proving that attitude, not just ability, is what shapes a lasting NFL career.