The echoes of greatness still linger in Pittsburgh. For nearly two decades, Ben Roethlisberger defined the Steelers — not just as a quarterback but as a symbol of the franchise’s gritty, blue-collar identity. Now, a new name is trying to carve his place into that legacy: Will Howard. And he’s not doing it with quiet deference — he’s doing it with bold, unapologetic confidence. In a move that sent shockwaves across Steelers Nation and NFL circles alike, the rookie quarterback didn’t mince words when asked about his future. “I want to be Pittsburgh’s next Big Ben,” Howard declared, eyes steely and voice unwavering. “I grew up watching Roethlisberger — tough, gritty, blue-collar. That’s what this city needs. I’m ready to be that guy.”
For a fan base still learning to navigate life after Roethlisberger’s retirement, those words landed like a spark to dry kindling. Pittsburgh has seen quarterbacks come and go in recent years — Mason Rudolph, Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, and even a brief flirtation with Russell Wilson. But none have captured the imagination of fans quite like Howard has — and he hasn’t even taken a regular season snap. His physical tools have drawn comparisons to the Steelers legend: a 6-foot-5, 240-pound frame, a rocket arm, and the ability to absorb contact without blinking. But it’s his attitude that has people in Pittsburgh buzzing. Will Howard doesn’t just want to fill Roethlisberger’s shoes — he wants to outgrow them.
It’s a statement steeped in both reverence and ambition. Roethlisberger’s tenure with the Steelers was defined by late-game heroics, impossible throws under pressure, and a toughness that felt like it was pulled straight from the steel mills of Pittsburgh’s past. Howard seems to understand that being the Steelers’ quarterback isn’t about being flashy or compiling stats — it’s about embodying a mindset. It’s about taking hits, getting back up, and making something happen when everything around you is falling apart. It’s about being the steady force when chaos erupts. And if early camp practices are any indication, he’s putting in the work to make that identity his own.
Steelers training camp has been electric since Howard’s statement. Every throw he makes is now under the microscope. Every step, every audible, every interaction with teammates is being dissected. But far from being rattled, Howard seems energized by the pressure. Coaches have praised his command of the huddle, his willingness to ask questions, and his hunger to learn. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith reportedly gave Howard extra reps in the red zone during team drills — and Howard made the most of them, threading a bullet pass between two defenders for a touchdown that had the crowd roaring.
It’s not just his performance on the field that’s turning heads. Howard has quickly established himself as a vocal presence in the locker room. Veterans have noted his poise and preparation. Wide receiver George Pickens, who has developed instant chemistry with Howard during offseason workouts, said, “He talks like a vet. He sees the game like a vet. That dude’s not just here to compete — he’s here to lead.” That leadership mindset is something Roethlisberger himself developed over time. Howard, it seems, is fast-tracking that process.
But with bold declarations come even bolder expectations. Pittsburgh is a city that remembers. It remembers the Super Bowl wins, the clutch drives, and the times Roethlisberger put the team on his back when it mattered most. It also remembers the quarterbacks who couldn’t live up to that standard. Howard’s challenge now isn’t just to play well — it’s to carry the emotional weight of a franchise and fanbase that’s been yearning for a true successor. And while he’s shown flashes of brilliance, the NFL is a different animal once the real bullets start flying in September.
For Howard, the journey to this point has been anything but easy. A transfer from Kansas State, he entered the college ranks with promise but spent much of his early career fighting for respect and reps. When he finally got the chance to start, he proved he could handle adversity. Big games against top competition. Road environments. Comebacks. He’s been through the fire, and he brings that hardened edge with him to Pittsburgh. He doesn’t look like a rookie trying to find his way. He looks like a man on a mission.
The city of Pittsburgh has always appreciated effort over ego. It admires toughness over theatrics. And that’s where Howard may have already won over some hearts. In a world of self-promotion and highlight reels, he talks about grit. About community. About wanting to make his name not just through touchdowns, but through resilience. He’s not asking for comparisons to Big Ben — he’s demanding them, and then working to prove they’re deserved.
Of course, there are doubters. Analysts have questioned whether Howard’s mechanics can hold up against elite NFL pass rushes. Some point to his college interception rate as a red flag. Others say the pressure of replacing a legend could crush a young quarterback’s confidence. But Howard seems unmoved. When asked about those criticisms, he simply smiled and said, “I’ve been underestimated my whole life. That’s nothing new. Pressure is part of the job — I welcome it.”
He may not be QB1 yet — the depth chart still lists Wilson at the top — but insiders believe it’s only a matter of time before Howard makes his case impossible to ignore. If he keeps stacking practices, showing leadership, and delivering in preseason action, the Steelers coaching staff will have a decision to make. Do they roll with the experienced vet, or hand the keys to a rookie who might just become the heartbeat of the franchise?
There’s also a sense among fans that the timing might finally be right. The Steelers’ defense, led by T.J. Watt, is still elite. Najee Harris remains a dependable workhorse in the backfield. The offensive line, long a sore spot, has shown signs of cohesion. And the receiver corps — with Pickens, Diontae Johnson, and rookie Roman Wilson — offers dynamic options. What the team has lacked in recent years is consistent quarterback play. If Howard can provide that — if he can deliver even 80% of what Roethlisberger once did — the Steelers could return to serious contention.
Pittsburgh is a city built on belief — belief in hard work, in second chances, in people who don’t flinch when life gets hard. That’s why Roethlisberger was so beloved. Not because he was perfect — far from it — but because he was real. He bled for the city. He played through pain. He never backed down. Now, Will Howard is asking for the chance to do the same. To write a new chapter. To be the guy who brings the Steelers back to where they belong — not just in the playoffs, but in the hunt for Lombardi trophies.
And maybe that’s why his words resonate. Because he didn’t just say he wants to be the next Big Ben — he said it like he meant it. Like he’s already visualized it. Like it’s not some distant goal, but an identity he’s ready to embody right now. Whether he succeeds or not is a question time will answer. But one thing is already clear: Will Howard isn’t here to blend in. He’s here to take the torch.
In the coming weeks, the preseason will offer the first real glimpse of what Howard can do under live conditions. Every snap will matter. Every decision will be a test. Every moment will be scrutinized. But Howard wouldn’t want it any other way. He knows what’s at stake. He knows what he’s chasing. And most importantly, he knows who he’s chasing.
Ben Roethlisberger once walked into Pittsburgh and changed the course of a franchise. Now, Will Howard walks in with the same dream — not to imitate, but to ignite. To prove that the spirit of Steelers football isn’t just a memory, but a legacy waiting to be continued. And if he has his way, that legacy won’t just echo Roethlisberger’s name — it’ll speak his.
