The football world was rocked by stunning news as Aaron Rodgers, one of the NFL’s most iconic quarterbacks, made headlines with his Steelers announcement—an unexpected twist that has sent ripples through Pittsburgh and across the league. For former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard, now in the Steelers’ quarterback room, this seismic shift could be the break he has quietly been preparing for all along. As the sports media buzzes with speculation and analysis, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Will Howard must stay sharp, stay ready, and prepare to rise. This could be his moment.
Rodgers’ move to Pittsburgh has reshaped the entire dynamic of the Steelers’ quarterback depth chart and, more importantly, the immediate future of Will Howard. Though Rodgers is still expected to start and command the offense with his trademark poise and experience, the reality of his age, injury history, and the intense physical demands of the NFL mean the team must have a reliable backup ready to step in at any moment. Will Howard, a tough, intelligent, dual-threat QB with a championship pedigree from his time at Kansas State and elite development at Ohio State, now finds himself closer than ever to meaningful NFL action.
Will Howard’s journey to this point has been a winding road marked by patience, perseverance, and preparation. He transferred from Kansas State to Ohio State seeking both competition and growth, knowing that iron sharpens iron. Under the tutelage of one of college football’s most elite coaching staffs and surrounded by top-tier talent, Howard refined his game, developing not just as a passer, but as a leader and a student of the sport. He embraced the quarterback room culture at Ohio State, learned from elite peers, and absorbed the high expectations that come with being part of one of the nation’s premier programs. Now, that growth is being tested at the next level.
When the Steelers brought Howard in, they saw more than just a developmental quarterback. They saw a player with NFL tools—a big frame, strong arm, pocket mobility, and high football IQ. What they may not have anticipated, however, was just how quickly he might need to be ready. Rodgers brings with him both greatness and volatility; his body has endured countless hits over two decades, and while he’s shown time and again that he can bounce back, the Steelers are wise to prepare for every scenario. That’s where Howard steps in.
The Pittsburgh offense, built on a bruising run game and calculated passing attack, could suit Howard’s style well. While Rodgers will undoubtedly install his version of the offense with surgical precision, it’s not hard to envision Howard stepping in with confidence if needed. He’s big enough to take hits, mobile enough to escape pressure, and smart enough to manage the offense in high-leverage moments. More than anything, he has the right temperament. Howard doesn’t flinch. He’s battled for reps his entire career and understands what it takes to be ready without warning.
The NFL is unpredictable. Teams plan meticulously, but one play can change everything. Rodgers is as prepared and durable as they come, but at this stage in his career, the margin for error is thin. Whether it’s a minor injury, a rest week, or a sudden shift in momentum, backup quarterbacks are always just one moment away from becoming starters. For Will Howard, that moment might be coming faster than anyone thought. In a league where opportunities are rare and the pressure is immense, his preparation behind the scenes could determine whether he merely survives or thrives when his number is called.
Steelers fans, known for their passionate loyalty and high expectations, are beginning to take notice of Howard. His performance in offseason workouts, minicamp sessions, and team meetings has been quietly impressive. Coaches have praised his work ethic and command of the playbook. While Rodgers rightfully dominates the spotlight, Howard is earning respect for his grind. He’s not flashy, but he’s focused. Not loud, but locked in. He knows the value of being prepared when the lights come on.
Rodgers himself has spoken positively about mentoring younger quarterbacks in the past, and his presence could be invaluable to Howard’s development. There’s a wealth of knowledge to be gleaned from one of the greatest to ever play the position, and Howard appears eager to learn. But at the same time, he must balance that learning mindset with the urgency of readiness. He can’t simply observe—he must internalize, execute, and be prepared to lead at a moment’s notice.
This moment also speaks to a broader trend in the NFL: the increasing importance of quality backup quarterbacks. Gone are the days when second-string QBs were viewed as placeholders. In today’s league, the backup must be nearly as prepared as the starter, with the poise to command a huddle, the arm to challenge defenses, and the composure to handle national spotlight. With Rodgers in Pittsburgh, every game will matter. Every snap will carry weight. And every decision made by the coaching staff could influence the trajectory of the season. If Howard is called upon, he’ll be walking into a playoff-caliber pressure cooker—and he’ll need to deliver.
Howard’s collegiate experience has given him an edge. Playing in hostile environments, battling top defenses, and adapting to complex schemes at Ohio State have all shaped him into a battle-ready quarterback. He’s used to the scrutiny, used to the expectations, and perhaps most importantly, used to being doubted. That underdog energy has fueled him before, and it could fuel him again in Pittsburgh. He doesn’t need to be the next Rodgers—he just needs to be ready to write his own chapter in the Steelers’ storied quarterback legacy.
For fans of Ohio State, Howard’s journey is a point of pride. Another Buckeye quarterback carving out a place in the NFL, showing grit and determination as he waits for his chance. Pittsburgh may not have been the expected destination, but it could be the perfect fit. The Steelers are a blue-collar team built on toughness, tradition, and timing. Howard’s development aligns well with those values. If and when he gets the opportunity, he won’t just be representing himself—he’ll be representing his roots, his journey, and the trust of a franchise that saw something special in him.
While the NFL world debates what Rodgers’ presence means for Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes and long-term strategy, the more subtle storyline is this: Will Howard’s moment might be coming sooner than expected. The circumstances may be unpredictable, but his preparation doesn’t have to be. He has the tools, the mindset, and the support system to thrive. All he needs is the chance. And in the NFL, chances come fast—and leave faster.
There is always pressure in Pittsburgh. The city breathes football. The fans live for Sunday. The standard is excellence. Will Howard knew what he was stepping into when he joined this team. He didn’t come to coast—he came to compete. And now, with Rodgers commanding the headlines and expectations rising with every practice rep, Howard finds himself on the edge of opportunity. Every throw, every read, every rep matters. One twist of fate could put him under center with an entire franchise watching.
As training camp approaches and preseason battles heat up, all eyes will be on Rodgers. But smart fans, coaches, and analysts will also be watching Will Howard. Because in the NFL, fortune favors the prepared—and this Buckeye may be more ready than anyone realizes. His journey has been steady, his work has been quiet, and his resolve has never wavered. Now, as the Steelers prepare for a season with sky-high hopes, Will Howard stands in the wings—not just as a backup, but as a potential game-changer. In a league built on opportunity and timing, he just might be the next man up.
