Ben Roethlisberger Sends Clear Message on Steelers' Decision to Draft Will Howard
The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into a season filled with unpredictability. While they rounded out their roster during the NFL draft, questions remain—particularly at the quarterback position.
With the No. 185 pick, the Steelers selected national championship-winning quarterback Will Howard out of Ohio State. And although they're still reportedly in the hunt for veteran Aaron Rodgers, fans seem pleased with the addition of Howard—including former Pittsburgh legend Ben Roethlisberger.
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Roethlisberger didn't hesitate to share his thoughts on the pick, offering a clear and confident endorsement of the Steelers' decision to draft Howard.
"Really excited about this pick," Roethlisberger said about the Steelers drafting Will Howard. "I don't know him, but I've heard some really good things about him... to me, that's a love of the game. Not caring where you're getting drafted, not caring what round you're getting drafted — just being excited to get to the NFL. I think that's what you want."
He continued, "It looked like Will Howard loved the game of football — tears in his eyes. I've said on this show, I'd like the Steelers to draft him. I love that competitor. There was someone — I heard it as a knock — saying he played with a bunch of NFL-caliber talent. Well, what's he going to be playing with now? He beat NFL-caliber teams too."
Howard had an intriguing collegiate career. After receiving few Division I offers out of high school as a three-star prospect, he committed to Kansas State, where he spent four seasons before transferring to Ohio State for his fifth and final year of eligibility—a move that paid off.
He became the catalyst behind the Buckeyes' dominant College Football Playoff run, leading them to victories over Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame, ultimately securing a national championship.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard during CFP National Championship Champions press conference at The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Savannah Ballroom.© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Now, he joins a Steelers quarterback room that currently consists of only Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, as the team awaits Aaron Rodgers' decision.
Related: Jon Gruden Doesn't Hesitate Naming Rookie QB He 'Loves' After 2025 NFL Draft
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