Will Howard didn’t realize he was in the middle of a media firestorm—until the internet told him. Fresh off a national championship run with Ohio State and prepping for the NFL Draft, Howard had flown to Minnesota to visit his girlfriend, a quiet stop amid the blur of pre-draft obligations. That’s when he opened his phone. His name was suddenly everywhere, and not in the way a quarterback wants. A video of him overthrowing receivers during his passing drills at the NFL Combine had gone viral. “Am I getting hated on right now?” he texted his agent, stunned. A British tabloid headline called it “the worst combine performance of all time.”

You see, Howard’s path to the NFL wasn’t paved with unanimous acclaim. Despite leading Ohio State to a national championship and earning the CFP National Championship Game Offensive MVP in 2025, he was selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Some analysts questioned his draft position, with a Power 4 defensive coordinator stating, “I don’t see the evaluation of Gabriel over [Will] Howard,” highlighting Howard’s size, arm strength, and the complexity of the passing tree he navigated at Ohio State.

But none of that stopped him. Just weeks after being drafted, Howard announced on Instagram he’d be hosting his youth football camps in Ohio on June 14 and 15. The camps, scheduled for June 14 and 15, 2025, are open to boys and girls aged 6–16 and will take place at Pickerington North High School Football Stadium. Howard expressed his excitement, stating, “Buckeye Nation, excited to announce my first ever youth camps w/ @Flexworkmgt in both Pickerington and Akron!”

In an era when quarterbacks are expected to be more than arms and schemes, Howard’s move was about optics, yes, but also ownership. It reframed his offseason narrative from ‘guy who flopped at the combine’ to ‘young leader investing in the next generation.’ It re-centered his name in Ohio, where he’d transferred only a year earlier from Kansas State, won a national title, and built quick trust in a massive spotlight. And it showed that even amid professional uncertainty, he’s playing the long game.

That might be essential, because the road ahead in Pittsburgh is anything but straightforward.

Jon Gruden sounds off on Steelers’ QB chaos

The Steelers’ approach to the quarterback position has left many scratching their heads. They re-signed veteran Mason Rudolph and continue to pursue 41-year-old free agent Aaron Rodgers. This strategy has drawn criticism from former NFL head coach Jon Gruden, who questioned the team’s direction, stating, “I don’t know what Pittsburgh’s doing at quarterback.”  He also remarked, “Maybe Aaron Rodgers, like he’s going to solve all your problems. It sounds great, but two years ago, he was out for the year.” Adding to the controversy, the Steelers selected Will Howard in the sixth round. 

If Will Howard brings even a slice of his 2024 Ohio State form—4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and a national title—to the Steelers, Pittsburgh may have quietly landed their future QB1. With his 73% completion rate and dual-threat mobility, he could thrive in a system that needs both poise and playmaking. While some view this as a potential steal, others see it as a gamble. Gruden, however, praised the pick, calling Howard “a stud” and comparing him to Josh Allen due to his size and athleticism.

Many fans remain skeptical about Howard’s readiness to lead an NFL team and despite the skepticism, the Steelers seem committed to their plan. They believe that with Rodgers’ experience and Howard’s potential, they can navigate the upcoming season successfully. However, the lack of a clear long-term solution at quarterback continues to be a point of contention among fans and analysts alike. Howard’s involvement adds another layer to the narrative. While he may not be the immediate answer to the Steelers’ quarterback woes, his development and integration into the team’s system will be closely watched.

Will’s play community engagement efforts, like the youth camps, could also play a role in shaping public perception and support. As the offseason progresses, the Steelers’ quarterback situation remains fluid. The team’s decisions in the coming months will be critical in determining their trajectory for the 2025 season and beyond. For now, fans can only wait and hope that the organization’s unconventional approach yields positive results.

In the midst of this uncertainty, Will Howard’s proactive steps off the field offer a glimmer of hope and inspiration. His dedication to nurturing young talent and connecting with the community reflects the qualities of a true leader. Whether or not he becomes the Steelers’ quarterback of the future, Howard is already making a meaningful impact.