Pittsburgh Steelers Aaron Rodgers Sees Long-Term Potential In Rookie Will Howard

When a future Hall of Famer like Aaron Rodgers speaks, the NFL listens. His recent comments about rookie quarterback Will Howard gave Pittsburgh Steelers fans plenty of reasons to be optimistic. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Howard is already attracting attention not just for his play but also as a mentee of one of football’s most cerebral quarterbacks.

Rodgers, who signed with the Steelers in the offseason, has been vocal about his belief in Howard’s abilities, describing him as a player with the talent and work ethic to succeed in the league for years to come. But what exactly sets Howard apart? And how could Rodgers’ mentorship pave the way for a bright future?

Aaron Rodgers on Will Howard’s Potential

During one of his initial training camp interviews, Rodgers didn’t hold back on his praise for the rookie quarterback. “He has all the ability and the talent, and when his time comes, I think he’s going to have a great chance to be a long-term guy in the league,” Rodgers said. Though Rodgers thrives in hyper-competitive environments, his nurturing approach toward Howard suggests his final NFL chapter may include preparing a new generation of leadership.

Rodgers further commented on Howard’s approach, citing his discipline and curiosity as traits that stood out. “He listens, he works hard, he takes great notes,” Rodgers added. For a late-round pick trying to survive the leap from college to the NFL, these details matter just as much as raw athletic skill. Every subtlety, from mentality to preparation, builds the foundation upon which a long NFL career can be established.

Rodgers’ open-door policy of mentorship—offering advice without imposing—indicates his respect for Howard’s self-drive. “If he wants to learn anything or pick my brain and be in my pocket, I’m all for it,” Rodgers shared. It’s a glimpse into what could become a pivotal relationship for Howard’s development.

Will Howard’s Impressive College Resume

While Howard was a sixth-round pick, his college career at Kansas State painted the picture of a quarterback with immense potential. Over four seasons, Howard displayed growth, resilience, and the ability to lead under pressure.

Howard’s College Stats

Howard finished his collegiate career with standout statistics:

• Passing Yards: 8,219
• Touchdown Passes: 60
• Completion Percentage: 62%
• Rushing Yards: 1,215
• Rushing Touchdowns: 16

One of Howard’s most impressive skills was his mobility, blending his 6’4”, 230-pound frame with the ability to move the chains on foot. That dual-threat capability added an extra layer to his game, forcing defenses to stay on edge. He wasn’t just a passer but a playmaker capable of improvising when needed.

His senior season cemented his status as a draftable prospect. Howard threw for over 3,000 yards, completing 65% of his passes while adding nearly 500 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. More importantly, Kansas State saw success under his guidance, keeping the Wildcats competitive in the Big 12.

What also stands out about Howard is his composure in high-pressure moments. Whether it was executing in clutch situations or rallying his team from behind, he showed the kind of mental fortitude scouts look for in a quarterback.

Scouts admired his deep-ball accuracy and pocket awareness but acknowledged concerns about inconsistency. For these reasons, Howard slipped to the later rounds of the draft, giving the Steelers a low-risk opportunity to groom him as a potential future starter.

The Rodgers Effect on Will Howard

There’s no denying that Aaron Rodgers has a wealth of knowledge to offer. With four MVP titles, multiple playoff runs, and over a decade of quarterback excellence, Rodgers can provide insights no coach or playbook could emulate.

Mentorship and Development

Rodgers has already made it clear that he views his time in Pittsburgh as an opportunity to help younger players grow. He sees aspects of himself in Howard—both quarterbacks came into the league with chips on their shoulders and questions about their viability at the professional level.

Howard is already benefiting from Rodgers’ guidance, particularly in understanding the intricacies of NFL defensive schemes and mastering game management. Early reports from training camp have highlighted Howard’s willingness to soak up information like a sponge. This eagerness to learn could give him a critical edge when the Steelers inevitably evaluate their quarterback situation in the future.

Learning Patience and Professionalism

Rodgers is also teaching Howard the value of emotional intelligence. During a long NFL career, poise, discipline, and leadership matter just as much as arm strength. Whether it’s how to handle the ups and downs of a season or how to earn the trust of teammates, Rodgers’ mentorship offers Howard a roadmap to navigating life as an NFL quarterback.

It’s worth noting that Rodgers himself sat behind Brett Favre for three seasons before stepping into the starting role. That period of waiting and learning ultimately paid off, giving Rodgers the tools to thrive. Howard finds himself in a similar situation, and Rodgers’ mentorship could prepare him for when his name is called.

How Time and Coaching Matter for Howard

Of course, not all of Howard’s development hinges on Rodgers. The Steelers have a strong culture of nurturing talent, especially quarterbacks. Under the guidance of head coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Matt Canada, Howard will have the chance to refine his skills and earn his place on the roster.

For now, Howard is battling for the third-string quarterback role behind Rodgers and Mason Rudolph. While the likelihood of seeing meaningful snaps this season is slim, every rep in practice and the preseason will serve as a building block for his growth.

A Bright Future for Pittsburgh?

There’s no guarantee that Will Howard will become the next great NFL quarterback. But as Rodgers has said, Howard has the tools and mindset to succeed. His time with the Steelers may prove to be the beginning of something special, especially with the rare opportunity to learn from one of the greatest to have played the position.

For Steelers fans, Will Howard represents a glimmer of hope for the post-Rodgers era. His college track record, paired with Rodgers’ mentorship and the Steelers’ developmental system, offers reasons to be excited about the future. Howard’s story is just beginning, and with the right mix of training, patience, and opportunity, Pittsburgh might find its long-term answer at quarterback.

Aaron Rodgers summarized it best, describing Howard as someone with “all the ability and the talent” necessary for an extended career in the league. With that kind of endorsement, the ball is now in Howard’s court to prove he can turn potential into performance.