Aaron Rodgers is officially a Pittsburgh Steeler. After months of uncertainty, the four-time NFL MVP joined the team on a one-year, $13.65 million deal. While many focused on what this meant for the franchise’s immediate future, another story has quietly taken shape—rookie quarterback Will Howard’s surprising reaction to sharing a room with the legend.
Howard, the sixth-round pick out of Ohio State, had an outstanding 2024 season, throwing for over 4,000 yards and leading the Buckeyes to a national title. Yet, despite his college success, questions swirled about his place in Pittsburgh’s crowded QB room especially with Rodgers now in the mix. But instead of shying away, Howard is soaking it all in.
“Yeah, I’d say like he told me on my five-step drops, ‘Hey, don’t get too wide on the top of your drop… keep your base a little tighter just so you can generate more force.’ That was just something he said yesterday that already helped me out today,” Howard shared on Thursday. “Out there on the field, I could already tell that was an impact for me.”
Rodgers going to turn Will into a machine.
— Baku (@Mazursky8895) June 12, 2025
Noted that he has now started sitting next to Will in team meetings to put in extra help off the field as well. pic.twitter.com/G5KzQEYX4U
Howard’s words give a glimpse into a deeper mentorship quietly forming between the two. The media once painted Rodgers' signing as a potential roadblock to Howard’s development, given the crowded depth chart. But it’s quickly turning into a golden opportunity.
As Rodgers put it as well, “Will’s a good kid. Thought he looked good today… I’m gonna be with him every single day and every single meeting… I’m gonna help him out as much as I can.”
Aaron Rodgers on Will Howard:
— The Standard (@TheStandard412) June 10, 2025
“Will’s a good kid. Thought he looked good today… I’m gonna be with him every single day and every single meeting… I’m gonna help him out as much as I can.”
LEADERSHIP!! #NFL #Steelers pic.twitter.com/SxCsRkl8uZ
Rodgers isn’t here to chase a ring or boost his ego—he’s here for the love of the game. And as it turns out, he’s already passing that passion down to Steelers' newest QB hopeful.
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