Aaron Rodgers Commits to Mentoring Steelers Rookie QB Will Howard: “I’m Going to Help Him Out”
PITTSBURGH — Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, newly signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers, has expressed a strong desire to mentor rookie quarterback Will Howard, the team’s sixth-round draft pick.
Howard, who played college football at Ohio State after transferring from Kansas State, now finds himself in an extraordinary position: learning from a future Hall of Famer. Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion, is ready and willing to guide the young signal-caller.
“I am going to help him,” Rodgers said when asked about Howard. “Will’s a really good kid. We chatted a bit today and I thought he had a strong showing out there. He’s clearly intelligent and composed — the moment doesn’t seem too big for him. He’s working through his reads really smoothly. I’m planning to be by his side every day — in every meeting. I actually chose to sit next to him during today’s offensive meeting, and that might be my new spot from here on out. I’ll do whatever I can to support his growth.”
Howard, who was only three years old when the Green Bay Packers drafted Rodgers back in 2005, is thrilled by the opportunity to work with someone he grew up admiring.
“I’m beyond excited,” Howard said. “He’s someone I looked up to my whole life. To be in the same room, learning from a legend like Aaron — it’s unreal. I want to soak up everything I can from him and just be the best teammate and support system I can. It’s an incredible opportunity.”
Before arriving at Ohio State, Howard was a long-time starter and captain at Kansas State. While the Buckeyes’ offense had its ups and downs during his single season in Columbus, Howard eventually led a late surge in performance, peaking during the College Football Playoff, where he helped turn the offense into a dominant force.
Now with the Steelers, the 41-year-old Rodgers brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to a quarterback room that includes the eager and talented Howard. With Rodgers taking on a leadership and mentorship role, the Steelers are optimistic about Howard’s future development.
Howard showed significant growth in his final college season, throwing for 4,010 yards — a personal best — and completing 73% of his passes, another career high. He also tallied 35 touchdown passes against just 10 interceptions, showcasing his improvement and potential.
With Rodgers leading by example and providing day-to-day guidance, the Steelers hope Howard’s learning curve will accelerate. For Howard, the chance to be mentored by a quarterback with Rodgers’ resume isn’t just a boost for his skills — it’s a dream come true.
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