Will Howard working hard towards dream during OTAs

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It’s one of probably a way-too-early observation about Steelers Organized Team Activities, following Aaron Rodgers in reps, is Will Howard. He’s the number two quarterback!

That would typically mean Howard is the back-up. It might still, although new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy is warning of overreaction without saying those words.

“It's, Mason (Rudolph) has a lot of experience,” McCarthy said. “We're trying to accomplish a threshold with Aaron and I'm trying to develop Will and Drew the best we can. So, Will's ahead of Drew, I think just from the fact that he's been here.”

“So that's part of the thinking, but the reality of it is, and it's just not an offensive focus or a quarterback focus.”

Rudolph acknowledged that he expected to get fewer reps early as they try to get Howard and rookie Drew Allar more opportunities. Rudolph is actually third right now and said he’s fine with the decision during voluntary work.

“I just go in when they tell me to go in,” Howard said diplomatically after OTAs on Wednesday.

Although Howard believes he’s in a better place than he was last season even though he missed the preseason games and early regular season practices with a thumb/hand injury and never played in 2025.

“I feel like I've learned a lot and I was able to take a lot from both of the guys (Rodgers & Rudolph) that I was in the room with last year and learn a lot,” Howard said. “And obviously the off season was a good time for me to kind of reset and get my mind back right and get my body back right. And I feel really good right now.”

The focus moves from being healthy to learning a second offense in just two seasons in the NFL. The 24-year-old called it a challenge, but one he has overcome before.

“I think me being able to be in two different systems early in my career is really good for me, and it's something I experienced when I went from Kansas State to Ohio State,” Howard said. “So I kind of have some experience in the last three years, I've had a new offense every year. So, it's just about adapting and finding what works for you in the new offense.”

Howard said there is so much detail in this offense, not just the plays but what he’s learned about his footwork and ball handling. He said its stuff he’s never even thought of or a minuscule correction that he didn’t believe mattered.

The second-year QB says all the right things about having four quarterbacks in the room. Instead of seeing them as rivals, they are teammates and said they share and have fun in their position room.

“I was just so impressed with him during the playoffs,” McCarthy said. “He's a national champion, that goes a long way. And you can see he was getting better and better throughout those playoffs.”

“So, I mean, that was my first impression of him from afar. But really from day one, he's wired the right way. Our first meetings, just sitting there talking football and just coaching quarterbacks for a long time, you know the questions to ask and the tempo and the pace and the jumping in and out of conversation. So he's got excellent wiring.”

“He's a lot more athletic than I realized in his lower half. So. He's doing a hell of a job. He's having a really good off season.”

There is an awareness of the praise McCarthy has heaped on him. Howard said he is just trying to get better every day, that’s how he approaches a situation that could be very difficult.

“They just appreciate when you work hard,” Howard said. “And I'm just really trying to dive into this thing, full speed ahead. Because this is my dream, this is all I've ever wanted.”

Rodgers return

“I think everyone had a little feeling and I had a feeling he was probably going to come back just knowing the competitor and the person that he is,” Howard said. “And I was excited. I really was because we really developed a really special friendship, I felt like last year. To be able to have another year with him and to learn from him and for him to continue to pour into Drew and also me. It's just an unbelievable opportunity for me as a young player in this league to learn from one of the legends that's been doing it for a long time.”

“I'm excited. I just want to soak up everything I can, take advantage of my opportunities when they're there, and just be the best version of myself every day.”