Sure! Here’s a 900-word article expanding on Ben Roethlisberger’s support of Pittsburgh Steelers sixth-round pick Will Howard, blending analysis, backstory, and future outlook:
Ben Roethlisberger Sees Promise in Will Howard: Steelers’ Sixth-Round QB Gets a Legend’s Nod
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a rich history under center, and when a franchise icon like Ben Roethlisberger speaks up about a young quarterback, people listen. That’s exactly what happened when Roethlisberger recently voiced his support for the Steelers’ sixth-round draft pick, quarterback Will Howard.
Roethlisberger, who led Pittsburgh to two Super Bowl titles and rewrote the team’s passing records during an 18-year career, isn’t one to hand out praise lightly. But when he evaluated Howard’s game, he liked what he saw—both in terms of physical traits and intangible qualities. And in the quarterback room, that kind of endorsement matters.
For Howard, who transferred from Kansas State to Ohio State for his final college season, the road to the NFL wasn’t paved with hype or five-star headlines. But what he did have was production, toughness, and leadership. Standing 6-foot-5 with a strong arm and underrated mobility, Howard presents a compelling package. And in Pittsburgh, a franchise that prizes grit and resilience, he just might be in the perfect place.
From College Journeyman to NFL Hopeful
Howard began his college career at Kansas State, where he showed flashes of promise but battled inconsistency and injuries early on. Over time, however, he matured into a steady presence for the Wildcats, helping lead them to a Big 12 title game and establishing himself as one of the better quarterbacks in the conference.
Looking to sharpen his skills and compete at a higher level, Howard transferred to Ohio State for his final year of eligibility. While he didn’t win the starting job over Devin Brown or eventual breakout star Lincoln Kienholz, Howard made the most of his time with the Buckeyes. He refined his mechanics, adapted to an NFL-style system under Ryan Day, and learned what it means to prepare like a pro.
That growth didn’t go unnoticed.
Despite not being a household name by the time the NFL Draft arrived, the Steelers saw enough in Howard to make him their pick in the sixth round. And it turns out they weren’t the only ones intrigued by his potential—Roethlisberger, who has kept a close eye on the team since retiring, voiced his approval shortly after the pick.
“I like the way the kid plays,” Roethlisberger said on his podcast. “Big frame, tough, can make the throws, and he doesn’t back down. That’s what you want to see in a young quarterback coming into Pittsburgh.”
Why Roethlisberger’s Endorsement Matters
When a player of Roethlisberger’s stature endorses a quarterback, it carries weight. He knows the pressure of playing in Pittsburgh. He knows what it’s like to enter a quarterback room with expectations, scrutiny, and a hard-nosed fanbase. More than anything, he knows what traits are needed to succeed in the black and gold.
Roethlisberger also recognizes that sixth-round picks don’t always get the benefit of the doubt. He’s seen enough players come and go to know that the NFL is often about what you do with your opportunity, not just where you’re drafted.
In Will Howard, he sees a quarterback with the physical tools to compete and the mental makeup to stick around. That may not mean he’s the Week 1 starter—or even the long-term heir apparent to Russell Wilson or Justin Fields—but it does mean he has the potential to develop into something more than a camp arm.
A Fit in the Steelers’ System
The Steelers, under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, are shifting toward a run-first identity with play-action and vertical passing built into the scheme. That fits Howard’s strengths well. He’s at his best when he can use his size to see over the line, set his feet, and fire the ball downfield. At Kansas State, he showed a knack for throwing outside the numbers and using his legs to extend plays when needed.
He’s not a polished product yet. His footwork can be inconsistent, and his decision-making under pressure still needs work. But as a developmental quarterback, the Steelers couldn’t have found a better mold. Howard is coachable, experienced, and tough—the kind of player who won’t flinch in an NFL locker room.
Plus, being in a quarterback room with veterans like Wilson and Fields gives Howard a chance to absorb, learn, and grow without the pressure to perform immediately. That learning curve—combined with the backing of someone like Roethlisberger—might give Howard the best possible foundation to thrive.
An Opportunity, Not Just a Job
Will Howard knows he’s not walking into Pittsburgh as the next Big Ben. He’s not trying to be. But with Roethlisberger giving him a public vote of confidence, he steps into rookie minicamp with a little more belief behind him—and that matters.
“I’m just here to compete and get better,” Howard said after being drafted. “I know I’ve got a lot to learn, but I’m ready to put in the work and earn everything that comes my way.”
That mentality, paired with his physical potential, is exactly what the Steelers want in a developmental QB. And for Roethlisberger to single him out as someone worth watching? That’s more than a compliment—it’s a sign that Howard might be a sleeper in this class.
In the NFL, it only takes one believer to change the course of a player’s career. If Howard can translate his potential into performance, and if the Steelers continue to cultivate his growth, he could one day prove that greatness doesn’t always come with a first-round label.
Just ask the sixth-round pick who’s already rooting for him.
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