Big Ben didn’t mince words this week when asked about Will Howard, the strong-armed rookie who’s been quietly turning heads at camp.
This week, Ben Roethlisberger, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ iconic quarterback, didn’t hold back when speaking about the team’s rookie quarterback, Will Howard. As the Steelers’ training camp continues to unfold, Howard has emerged as one of the most intriguing storylines. His raw talent, particularly his strong arm, has caught the eye of coaches, players, and pundits alike. But it was Roethlisberger’s candid comments that really shed light on the young quarterback’s potential and his place within the team’s future.
Roethlisberger, who spent 18 seasons with the Steelers and led the team to two Super Bowl victories, knows what it takes to be successful in Pittsburgh. His comments about Howard were not just praise; they were an honest assessment of a player who has the potential to be something special, but is still learning the nuances of the game at the professional level. As someone who’s seen and experienced it all, Big Ben’s words carry weight, and his perspective on Howard is worth paying attention to.
Howard, a rookie out of a mid-tier college program, was drafted by the Steelers to add depth to a quarterback room that already features veteran Mitch Trubisky and the promising Kenny Pickett. But even though he’s a third-stringer, Howard has quietly impressed during the early stages of camp. His physical attributes have stood out from the start. He’s got the type of arm that can make throws others can only dream of, a cannon that lets him effortlessly zip passes downfield. His velocity on deep balls and ability to drive the ball through tight windows have earned him comparisons to some of the best young quarterbacks in the league.
In his first few practices, Howard’s confidence was evident. He seemed unfazed by the high-pressure atmosphere of NFL training camp, which can often overwhelm rookies. His decision-making, while not perfect, showed flashes of the poise and composure that will serve him well as he develops. Still, Roethlisberger didn’t sugarcoat the reality of the situation. While he acknowledged Howard’s raw talent, he also pointed out the gap between being an NFL rookie and being a polished, game-ready quarterback.
“Will’s got a cannon, no doubt about it,” Roethlisberger said, his tone both impressed and pragmatic. “I think everyone can see that. The kid can really throw the ball. It’s fun to watch him in practice. But, like with every rookie, the hard part is learning how to make the right throws at the right times. You can have all the arm strength in the world, but you’ve got to be able to read defenses and understand when to take chances and when to be conservative. That’s the big challenge for him.”
Ben’s analysis wasn’t just about Howard’s arm strength; it also centered on the mental aspect of playing the quarterback position. Roethlisberger, one of the best to ever do it, is quick to remind everyone that the game is not simply about throwing the ball hard. It’s about managing the game, reading defenses, and making quick decisions under pressure. It’s a skill set that takes years to hone, and it’s something that Howard, for all his talent, is still learning.
That said, Big Ben’s comments about Howard were far from dismissive. In fact, Roethlisberger seemed to take a bit of pride in the development of the rookie quarterback. He recalled his own rookie year and the immense challenges he faced in adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL game. Roethlisberger had the luxury of learning behind Tommy Maddox and taking over mid-season when the Steelers were in the playoff hunt. Howard, on the other hand, may not have the same luxury in terms of on-field playing time, but he is getting a front-row seat to the mentoring of Trubisky and Pickett, two quarterbacks with vastly different playing styles.
“What Will has going for him is that he’s in a great room,” Roethlisberger added. “He’s got Mitch, who’s been through a lot in this league, and then there’s Kenny, who’s already shown he’s got the mentality to lead. If he can take things from both of those guys, along with what he’s learning from the coaches, he’s in a good place. But it’s still going to be a process for him.”
Roethlisberger also spoke candidly about his own approach to mentoring young quarterbacks. For years, he was the centerpiece of the Steelers’ offense, and while he had some ups and downs with his own progression, he was always determined to help the next generation of quarterbacks. When he was drafted, he took a somewhat untraditional path to starting, taking over as a rookie and leading the team to a Super Bowl appearance. But in recent years, Roethlisberger had become a mentor to players like Mason Rudolph and, now, to Pickett. It was clear that he was fully committed to ensuring the Steelers have a solid quarterback pipeline in place for the future.
“I’ve always believed in helping the next guy. That’s just part of the position,” Roethlisberger said. “When I was a rookie, I didn’t have a lot of guys helping me, and that was tough. If I can help Will or Kenny or Mitch, then I’m doing my part to make sure the team is better.”
That’s the type of leadership Roethlisberger has brought to the Steelers for nearly two decades. Even as he transitions away from the game, his commitment to the team and its future remains steadfast. His mentorship of Howard will be crucial as the young quarterback tries to carve out a place for himself in the NFL. Roethlisberger’s role as a mentor may not be as visible as his time as the starting quarterback, but it’s just as important for the future of the franchise.
Beyond his strong arm, Howard’s physical attributes have already drawn some positive attention. Standing at 6’5” with a powerful frame, he certainly looks the part of a traditional NFL quarterback. His mobility is also a key asset, as he’s shown a surprising ability to escape the pocket when necessary and make throws on the move. It’s clear that Howard has the tools to succeed in the modern NFL, which requires quarterbacks to not only stay in the pocket but also make plays when the pocket breaks down.
Yet, Roethlisberger was quick to caution that Howard’s raw talent alone won’t get him far in the league. “Being a rookie quarterback in the NFL isn’t easy. You have to process so much information so quickly, and that’s where the real growth happens. I can tell you from experience, the game speed in the NFL is on another level compared to college,” Roethlisberger noted. “I know everyone is excited about Will, but there’s no substitute for time and experience. That’s when you really start to see what you have in a guy.”
While Roethlisberger’s evaluation of Howard’s performance may seem to downplay the hype surrounding the rookie, it’s important to note that Big Ben is speaking from a place of experience. His own transition from college to the pros was far from seamless, but he quickly became one of the league’s most accomplished quarterbacks. His perspective is grounded in reality, and his insights into Howard’s development are invaluable. Roethlisberger’s words don’t dismiss Howard’s potential; they simply acknowledge the realities of being a rookie in the NFL and the learning curve that comes with it.
The Steelers’ quarterback room is now in a transitional phase, with the future of the position uncertain beyond Pickett and Trubisky. Howard, for all his physical tools, is likely a project player at this stage. Still, the fact that he’s catching the attention of Roethlisberger and other veterans speaks volumes about his talent. In fact, it’s possible that Howard could end up being one of the league’s best-kept secrets, a hidden gem who only needs time and coaching to unlock his full potential.
“I think Will’s got what it takes to be really good in this league,” Roethlisberger added with a smile. “But he’s got a long way to go. Like I said, he’s got the arm, he’s got the attitude, and he’s got the right people around him to get better. Now it’s up to him to put it all together.”
Roethlisberger’s assessment of Howard wasn’t just about the future; it was also a reflection of his own legacy in Pittsburgh. As the Steelers’ all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns, Roethlisberger is well aware of what it takes to become a star quarterback in this league. His candid remarks about Howard serve not only as a lesson for the rookie but also as a reminder of the work that lies ahead for anyone who hopes to play quarterback at the highest level.
In the coming months, as Howard continues to progress through training camp and eventually into the preseason, it will be fascinating to see how his development unfolds. With Roethlisberger’s mentorship and the guidance of the coaching staff, there’s a good chance that Howard could become a key figure in the Steelers’ future quarterback plans. Whether he’ll ever match Roethlisberger’s legendary career is uncertain, but for now, Howard has a unique opportunity to learn from one of the best.
For fans of the Steelers, the possibility of another talented quarterback joining the ranks is exciting. Roethlisberger may have left his mark on the franchise, but his words of wisdom and encouragement will undoubtedly help shape the next chapter of Steelers quarterbacking. Only time will tell if Will Howard can live up to the high expectations that come with his impressive arm and natural talent. But with a mentor like Roethlisberger, he’s certainly in the right hands to make that journey a successful one.
