Pittsburgh may not have expected a quarterback controversy this early in the season, but a surprising endorsement has suddenly put Will Howard in the center of the spotlight. Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger, a two-time Super Bowl champion and the face of the franchise for nearly two decades, has gone on record saying fans should be “fired up” about Howard’s readiness to step in — and the comments are already sending shockwaves through Steelers Nation.
Speaking on his podcast, Roethlisberger praised Howard’s physical tools, leadership presence, and ability to process the field quickly. But it wasn’t just generic compliments — Big Ben sounded genuinely confident that Howard could run the Steelers’ offense right now if his number were called.
“The kid’s ready,” Roethlisberger said. “He’s tough, he’s sharp, he understands the moment. Pittsburgh fans should be excited — really excited — about having him in that room.”
Sources within the team have echoed parts of Big Ben’s assessment, noting that Howard has impressed coaches with his command of the playbook and his calm demeanor during high-pressure situations in camp. One staff member reportedly described him as “far ahead of where rookies normally are.”
For Steelers fans burned by years of inconsistent quarterback play since Roethlisberger’s retirement, the endorsement feels like a burst of hope. Social media lit up within hours, with supporters debating whether Howard could push for snaps sooner than expected — and whether Roethlisberger sees something others have missed.
What makes Roethlisberger’s comments even more intriguing is the timing. The Steelers are entering a season where every decision at quarterback will be under a microscope. And when the franchise’s greatest modern QB publicly throws his weight behind a newcomer, it raises questions about long-term plans that may not be as settled as they appear.
One thing is certain:
Big Ben didn’t just compliment Will Howard — he ignited a conversation that could define the Steelers’ season.
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