When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, fans were intrigued. Could this Ohio State product really be the team’s future? On a recent episode of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers legend sat down with Howard and fellow Buckeye Jack Sawyer—and by the end of the conversation, it was clear something promising is taking shape in Pittsburgh.
This wasn’t just a casual chat. Roethlisberger, a two-time Super Bowl champion who understands what it takes to succeed in Pittsburgh, got right to the point:
“Do you want to be in Pittsburgh?” he asked.
Howard didn’t hesitate. His answer was heartfelt.
“You saw it in that rookie episode I did. I was begging for the Steelers to draft me,” he said with conviction. “There’s something deep inside me that really, really wanted to be a Pittsburgh Steeler.”
Ben Roethlisberger’s approval of Will Howard is a welcome sign for Steelers fans
Howard’s sincerity struck a chord—not just with fans, but with Roethlisberger himself. And that’s no small feat. Big Ben has rarely handed out public endorsements, even distancing himself from Kenny Pickett back in 2022. But with Howard, there was clear admiration and belief.
Howard’s story fits the Steelers’ mold perfectly
Howard’s path hasn’t been easy. Overlooked by Penn State, he used that as fuel to carve out a gritty career—from Kansas State to Ohio State, grinding every step of the way. A multi-sport athlete, Howard credits much of his development to the competitive spirit he built through baseball and basketball alongside football.
That hunger and edge? It screams Pittsburgh.
Watching the interview, it was hard not to feel optimistic. Howard carries both humility and intensity. He’s a national champion, forged through adversity, now sharing a genuine connection with a Steelers icon. Everything feels like it’s lining up.
He may not have been a flashy draft pick, but after this, Will Howard feels like someone the fan base can rally behind. He wants to be in Pittsburgh—and sometimes, that’s exactly where greatness begins.
