Rookie QB Will Howard ‘Truly Grateful’ for Steelers’ Boost in Confidence and Development
Pittsburgh may still be searching for long-term answers at quarterback, but one thing has become clear inside the Steelers’ facility: rookie QB Will Howard is quickly becoming one of the most appreciated young players on the roster — and he knows it.
Speaking with reporters this week, Howard didn’t hide his emotions when asked about how the coaching staff has handled his transition into the NFL.
“I’m truly grateful,” he said. “From the moment I walked into this building, the Steelers have pushed me, believed in me, and helped me grow faster than I ever expected.”
For a rookie who arrived without the hype of a top-10 pick, Howard’s rise has become one of Pittsburgh’s most intriguing storylines this season.
A Development Plan Built Just for Him
The Steelers haven’t rushed Howard onto the field, but they also haven’t treated him like a backup project. Instead, they’ve built a development plan tailored specifically to his strengths — big arm, pocket toughness, and a willingness to attack downfield.
Coaches have praised his professionalism, noting that he approaches every practice as if he’s competing for the starting job.
One staff member described him as “one of the most coachable young quarterbacks we’ve had in years.”
Howard echoed the sentiment, saying the team’s approach has transformed his confidence:
“They’ve put a lot of trust in me. When a staff believes in you that early, it changes everything.”
Veteran Mentorship Making a Difference
Another factor in Howard’s rapid progress is the mentorship he has received from veterans in the locker room.
Steelers players — both on offense and defense — have taken an active role in helping the rookie adjust to NFL speed and complexity.
He credits them heavily:
“Those guys challenge me every day. They don’t let me take a play off. That’s the type of environment every young quarterback dreams of.”
His humility and work ethic have reportedly earned him instant respect.
A Quiet but Growing Buzz Around His Future
While the Steelers haven’t announced anything about long-term depth chart decisions, the internal excitement around Howard is real. Some team insiders believe he could push for meaningful snaps sooner than expected, especially if his current trajectory continues through late-season practices.
But Howard isn’t getting ahead of himself.
“Right now my job is simple: learn, compete, and be ready,” he said. “Everything else will come when it’s supposed to.”
The Steelers May Have Found Something Special
In a season filled with questions about the offensive identity and the future of the quarterback position, Will Howard’s emergence is becoming a bright spot — a sign that the Steelers may quietly be developing their next real option under center.
And if Howard continues to grow at the pace he has so far, Steelers fans could be seeing a lot more of him sooner rather than later.
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