Ohio State Legend Aaron Rodgers Shares Honest First Impressions of Steelers Rookie Will Howard and Opens Up on Their Budding Relationship

Aaron Rodgers has always been known as one of the most insightful and cerebral quarterbacks in NFL history. Even in the latter stages of his storied career, Rodgers continues to be a voice of wisdom, experience, and analysis when it comes to young talent entering the league. This offseason, that voice was directed toward a surprising new subject: Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard.

Howard, the former Kansas State and Ohio State quarterback, has drawn national attention since being selected by the Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft. With questions surrounding Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation and the future of the franchise under head coach Mike Tomlin, Howard’s arrival has stirred both excitement and scrutiny. Rodgers, whose own path has taken him from NFL MVP to mentor and analyst, had a chance to observe Howard up close during joint offseason training sessions and quarterback summits hosted by NFL veterans.

When asked about his first impressions of Howard, Rodgers didn’t hold back. “Will’s a kid who carries himself like a professional,” Rodgers said. “He’s not out there just trying to prove he belongs — he knows he belongs, and there’s a calm confidence in everything he does. I was impressed by his command of the huddle, his footwork, and more than anything, how quickly he picks things up mentally.”

Rodgers, who spent nearly two decades in the NFL dissecting defenses and mastering complex offensive schemes, emphasized that the mental aspect of the game is where Howard could separate himself. “It’s not about how far you can throw the ball. It’s about how fast you can process information, how you handle adjustments mid-play, how you lead grown men,” Rodgers explained. “Will already has some of those leadership instincts. That’s rare for a rookie.”

Howard’s journey to the NFL was not without its share of obstacles. After an up-and-down career at Kansas State, he made the bold decision to transfer to Ohio State for his final collegiate season. While there, he helped guide the Buckeyes to a strong showing in the Big Ten and showcased noticeable growth in pocket presence, accuracy, and decision-making. It was that late surge in development that caught the eyes of NFL scouts — and apparently, Rodgers as well.

“He made a huge leap at Ohio State,” Rodgers noted. “People underestimate how much stepping into a high-pressure environment like Columbus can shape a quarterback. He took that challenge head-on. I respect that.”

Rodgers went on to explain that his relationship with Howard began in passing, but quickly evolved as the two engaged in multiple conversations throughout the offseason. Despite their different career stages, Rodgers said there was a mutual respect and curiosity that bridged the gap.

“Will reached out, asked questions, wanted to know about preparation, mindset, how I studied film,” Rodgers said. “A lot of young guys are afraid to ask, or they think they already know. Will’s not like that. He listens. He processes. He’s got a good head on his shoulders.”

The mentorship dynamic between Rodgers and Howard may not be official in title, but it’s certainly tangible. Rodgers said he sees elements of himself in Howard — not in terms of playing style, but in their shared hunger to understand the game at the deepest possible level.

“I was that kid once — sitting behind Brett [Favre], trying to absorb every detail,” Rodgers recalled. “Now I see Will doing the same thing, not just from veterans on the Steelers, but from anyone he can learn from. That humility is going to take him far.”

Steelers fans have been clamoring for a franchise quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger retired, and while Kenny Pickett had his moments, the franchise has continued searching for a long-term answer. Will Howard may not be expected to start immediately, but there is a growing belief that he could be the future of the organization.

Rodgers didn’t shy away from addressing that potential. “He’s got the tools,” Rodgers said. “Now, it’s about reps. He needs to see live bullets. He needs to get knocked down a few times and get back up. That’s how you grow. But I’ll say this: he’s not going to flinch. The moment won’t be too big for him.”

Perhaps the most compelling part of Rodgers’ comments were his reflections on the relationship forming between the two quarterbacks. Rodgers said he plans to stay in contact with Howard throughout the season and offer advice where appropriate. “I’m not going to hover or be some shadow coach,” Rodgers clarified. “But I’ll be there if he ever needs a sounding board. Sometimes, all a young QB needs is someone to tell them, ‘Yeah, I’ve been there. Here’s what helped me.’ I’m happy to be that guy if he wants it.”

The Steelers organization has also taken note of Howard’s approach. Reports from team insiders suggest that Howard has quickly earned the respect of coaches and teammates alike, not with flashy plays, but with poise, preparation, and a relentless drive to improve. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith praised Howard’s willingness to dive into the playbook and ask the right questions.

“He’s not just memorizing the plays,” Smith said recently. “He’s understanding the why behind each concept. That’s a trait that separates starters from backups in this league.”

Rodgers echoed that sentiment, adding that Howard’s focus on continuous learning will serve him well in Pittsburgh’s demanding football culture. “You don’t last in this league by being good one day and bad the next,” Rodgers said. “It’s about stacking good days. That’s what I’ve seen from Will.”

Beyond the Xs and Os, Rodgers also appreciated Howard’s temperament and personality. “He’s got a dry sense of humor, kind of sarcastic like me,” Rodgers said with a grin. “We bonded over that. But more than anything, he’s just a grounded guy. No ego. He’s about the work.”

For Steelers fans hoping that Howard can one day lead the franchise to new heights, Rodgers’ endorsement carries weight. He’s seen and studied greatness up close, from Favre to Brady to Mahomes. For him to identify something special in Will Howard, even in limited interactions, is not insignificant.

“There’s a long road ahead for him,” Rodgers admitted. “But if he keeps doing what he’s doing — staying humble, grinding, leading by example — he’s got a shot to do something special.”

Rodgers, now transitioning into a stage of his life where mentorship and legacy matter more than accolades, seems genuinely invested in helping the next generation of quarterbacks thrive. His willingness to guide Howard, even from a distance, reflects a broader shift in his mindset — one that values teaching as much as performing.

“I’ve been blessed with a long career,” Rodgers said. “Now, I want to help guys like Will write their own stories. He doesn’t need to be the next me or the next anybody. He just needs to be the best version of himself. And from what I’ve seen so far, he’s off to a great start.”

As training camp approaches and the Steelers prepare for another grueling AFC North campaign, all eyes will be on the development of their rookie quarterback. For now, Will Howard has impressed not only his coaches and teammates, but also one of the most respected quarterbacks of all time.

And in a league where every endorsement is earned, Aaron Rodgers’ early vote of confidence just might be the first big win of Will Howard’s NFL journey.