Redemption stories build the most intrigue. Why? Because everyone enjoys watching someone beat the odds. Pittsburgh Steelers fans are no different. Years of quarterback dysfunction caused consecutive seasons of offensive turmoil. Thankfully, Aaron Rodgers’ commitment to the franchise is helping the front office put pieces back in place. That includes an inclusive mentorship with Will Howard as he transitions into a professional QB.
Thursday’s Preseason exhibition against Green Bay will be the perfect test to see whether the former sixth-round pick is making progress. It will also determine if Will Howard is worth investing in longterm.
And the second year gunslinger isn't shying away from pressure.
“I'm excited to get out there and experience it.” Howard expressed to reporters. “I know everyone says preseason isn’t real football, but to me it is. I'm going to treat it as such and go out there and make the most out of my reps because I know it is important.”
I believe Thursday’s game is more than “important”.
It’s been quite a while since we’ve seen the former National Champion in action. A broken finger on Howard’s right hand, caused during last year’s training camp, forced the 2025 sixth-round pick to miss his entire rookie season. Instead of fielding snaps, Will Howard spent his first year with the Steelers watching from a distance.
It was a gut punch for fans yearning to see new blood in Pittsburgh’s offense. Especially when considering his nostalgic collegiate career.
Will Howard must prove his worth during the Pittsburgh Steelers' first preseason matchup
A win against Notre Dame on college football’s biggest stage was the last time Pittsburgh’s protege saw real-time action. Honestly, his performance was the exclamation mark to an unforgettable season. In 2024, Will Howard ranked first in the Big Ten in Passing Yards (4,010) and second in completions (309). He also managed 226 yards on the ground and seven rushing touchdowns.
Arm talent, ability to extend plays, combined with a high competitive motor, provided Pittsburgh’s front office with enough evidence. And looking back, a sixth-round pick was a fair exchange.
Sure, Howard is a championship-caliber gunslinger with enough confidence to make special things happen. But it’s hard to overlook his lack of NFL experience compared to his tenure in the league.
I understand the injury forced him to become unavailable. But if Howard was a Day 1 pick, the pill would be harder to swallow. In reality, the former Buckeye is where he needs to be. Excitement towards a preseason matchup is the perfect way for a young QB to make an entrance to the NFL stage. And without the pressures of the regular season, Howard should showcase his abilities in a less stressful environment.
A win against the Packers Thursday night will be a great first step for Will Howard’s NFL career. It will prove his time under Rodgers’ wing has been beneficial. And more importantly, it will prove the sixth-round pick is more than a draft afterthought but a vital extension of Pittsburgh’s offense. I believe a good showing will only help Howard’s career as he earns more time on the gridiron.
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