PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It was a lesson learned after an emotional loss to Michigan that took Will Howard’s game to another level, eventually leading to being with the Steelers.
It was also a moment that impressed the Steelers front office, how this first-year Ohio State quarterback could pick himself up after a huge loss at home and go forward. Howard managed all of it, especially the pressure from his own fan base to turn it around and lead his team to a national championship.
“When we went into the playoffs, we had a lot to play for and a lot to prove,” Howard told Pittsburgh reporters after being selected in the sixth round on Saturday. “We went out and played with a chip on our shoulder and I played free. I just went out there and did my thing. They let me kind of be myself out there and distribute the ball.”
Howard went from an Ohio State career-low in yards and an OSU career-high with two interceptions to four of his best games in a playoff environment.
· Tennessee, 24-29, 83%, 311 yards, 2 TD, INT
· Oregon, 17-26, 65%, 319 yards, 3 TD
· Texas, 24-33, 73%, 289 yards, TD, INT
· Notre Dame, 17-21, 81%, 231 yards, 2 TD
“It’s about the process and it’s about how you attack every single day,” Howard said. “No matter what happens on the field, it’s a day-to-day process. It’s not about the results. It’s not about what happens on the field, it’s about what you are putting in off the field.”
That’s what paid off and allowed him the opportunity to have a formal interview with the Steelers at the NFL Combine. He credited the team personnel for being ‘salt of the earth’ in having dinner with Mike Tomlin and others before the Ohio State Pro Day. Finally, in the sixth round, he joined his teammate Jack Sawyer and former teammate Skylar Thompson.
“It’s not about when, it’s where,” Howard said. “I had a trust in God & believe that he had a plan for me and that the right team was going to pick me. I think 100% the right team picked me.”
He mentioned how that freedom of playing really led to his better play. That is one of the bigger questions for Howard going forward. Can he show enough trust so they will give him the chance to just make plays? To play free.
“I’m so thankful the Steelers believed in me,” Howard said. “All I need is a chance. It doesn’t matter if I play right away, it’s about getting better and learning.”