Steelers Rookie Quarterback Makes His Opinion Of Aaron Rodgers Clear

Aaron Rodgers is still unsigned despite all the rumors linking him to the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason. That might not be a bad thing for rookie quarterback Will Howard. 

The Steelers selected Howard with the 185th overall pick in this year's NFL Draft. The former Ohio State quarterback improved his stock after completing 73.1 percent of his passes for 4,010 yards with 35 touchdowns and 10 interceptions during the 2024 season. 

Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith praised Howard for playing well on "critical possessions" during his time at Ohio State. He's certainly hoping that carries over to the NFL. 

During an appearance on Kay Adams' FanDuel TV show this Friday, Howard talked about his future with the Steelers. 

"They need like a gritty guy. Growing up for me, watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and Big Ben, Big Ben was that guy," Howard said. "He was Pittsburgh. He was the Steel City, the blue collar and gritty guy. And I want to be that, too. I want to bring that edge and that energy. I think I did a pretty good job of it at Ohio State, and I kind of like to pride myself on that and I’m going to try and bring it to the Steel City."

Obviously, Howard won't have the chance to start Week 1 if Rodgers joins the Steelers. However, he doesn't view that as a bad thing. 

Howard made it clear that he'd be more than happy to learn from Rodgers. 

"I don’t know what’s going to happen," Howard told Adams. "That's all over my head. But I’d love to be in a room and learn from him. Again, who knows what’s going to happen. I have no idea and that’s above my head." 

That's a smart statement from the rookie quarterback. 

Rodgers told Joe Rogan that he hasn't made a decision on the 2025 season due to personal matters. The four-time MVP said, "I’ve been in the weeds with these people who are close to me that have cancer." 

There's currently no timetable for Rodgers' decision.