Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers Sends Strong Message on Will Howard

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Holcomb | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 9:14 PM ET

Former Ohio State quarterback Will Howard has less of a chance to see any playing time during the 2025 NFL regular season now that Aaron Rodgers has officially signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

But Howard could greatly benefit from serving as one of Rodgers' backups.

Rodgers had a lot of positive things to say about Howard in front of reporters at the team's minicamp Tuesday.

“Will’s a good kid. We’ve got to talk a little bit. I thought he did really well today,” Rodgers said to reporters. “He seems pretty bright, not too big for him. Going through the progressions really well."

Rodgers also added that he plans to mentor the rookie whenever possible this season.

“I’m gonna be with him every single day in every single meeting. Found my seat next to him today in the offensive meeting, whether or not that sticks, right next to Will Howard.

“I’m gonna help him out as much as I can.”

Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers on former Wildcat Will Howard pic.twitter.com/uAODe8fu9M
— Ryan Gilbert (@RyanGilbert_) June 10, 2025

The Steelers selected Howard at No. 185 overall in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. At the time, only Mason Rudolph sat in front of Howard on the team's quarterback depth chart.

With Rodgers in the fold, Howard, barring an injury, will enter 2025 as Pittsburgh's No. 3 signal-caller.

Howard led the Big Ten with a 73% completion percentage, 4,010 passing yards and 35 touchdowns in 16 games last season. The veteran quarterback also took the Buckeyes to the national championship game, where they defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

In Howard's first four college seasons, he played for the Kansas State Jayhawks.

The quarterback finished his college career with 9,796 passing yards and 83 touchdowns versus 35 interceptions in 50 games.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: