Will Howard expresses desire to bring grit, blue collar mentality to Steelers, taking inspiration from Ben Roethlisberger

Will Howard was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s hoping to make a name for himself in the NFL, and evoke memories of the legendary Ben Roethlisberger during his time with the franchise.

The former Ohio State and Kansas State quarterback turned heads last season, as he led the Buckeyes to a national title, but his NFL potential has been the cause of great debate. Regardless, the Steelers took a chance on Howard, and now he’s making it his mission to draw inspiration from the two-time Super Bowl champion, bringing a similar style of play to Pittsburgh.

“They need like a gritty guy,” Howard said, via Up and Adams. “Growing up for me, watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and Big Ben, Big Ben was that guy. He was Pittsburgh. He was the Steel City, the blue collar and gritty guy.

“I want to be that, too. I want to bring that edge and that energy. I think I did a pretty good job of it at Ohio State, and I kind of like to pride myself on that and I’m going to try and bring it to the Steel City.”

That should be music to the ears of Steelers fans throughout the nation. That’s exactly the type of quarterback they’ve been starved for since Roethlisberger retired. Big Ben himself believes Howard can rise above and be a solid starter for the franchise, as he waxed poetic about the pick in the time since.

“I’m really excited about this pick,” Roethlisberger said, via Footbahlin. “Don’t know him. Heard some really good things about him. I just saw the clip that has been going around … You see tears coming down his face. I mean to me, that’s a love of the game, not caring where you’re getting drafted, not caring what round you’re getting drafted, being excited to get to the NFL. I think that that is what you want. You want a guy that wants to be here

“… Some guys can come in and just be like, ‘Hey, this is my job. I’m just gonna go do it.’ Some guys, you gotta love it because from Monday to Saturday is work, Sunday is fun. You gotta love this game because of what it puts you through.” 

It seems Aaron Rodgers is destined to lead the Steelers in 2025, but Will Howard would certainly provide a jolt to the fanbase if he stays true to his words during his rookie season. He’s been counted out before, and the quarterback has always risen to the top. Perhaps Pittsburgh’s next Ben Roethlisberger has a bit of Tom Brady in him, being a sixth rounder and all.