Shedeur Sanders supports Ohio State football’s Will Howard after rough combine
Shedeur Sanders Supports Ohio State Football’s Will Howard After Rough Combine
The NFL Combine is a high-stakes event where college athletes look to showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives. It is a moment of opportunity but also a pressure-filled stage that can shape the futures of many young athletes. For Will Howard, the standout quarterback from Ohio State, the 2025 NFL Combine was a challenging experience. Although his performance didn’t go according to plan, Howard found a surprising ally in the form of Shedeur Sanders, the highly regarded quarterback from Jackson State, who has made waves in the college football world. Sanders’ support of Howard after the combine sends a powerful message about camaraderie, resilience, and the understanding of what it takes to succeed in the unforgiving world of college football.
Sanders, who has made his mark as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country, understands better than anyone that the NFL Combine is just one moment in a player’s journey. While Howard faced struggles in Indianapolis, the support from Sanders may prove to be crucial, as it emphasizes that a rough day at the Combine doesn’t define a player’s career or potential. Sanders’ words, coupled with his own experiences, shed light on the reality that setbacks are often part of the path to greatness.
Will Howard’s Rough Combine Performance: A Reality Check
Entering the 2025 NFL Combine, Will Howard was seen as one of the top quarterback prospects, and many analysts had high expectations for the Ohio State signal-caller. Howard, known for his strong arm and athleticism, had showcased elite-level talent during his time at Ohio State, particularly in high-pressure situations. However, the Combine was a different environment altogether—a test not just of skill but also of composure and mental fortitude.
Howard’s performance at the Combine didn’t match the expectations placed on him. While he demonstrated flashes of his potential, his consistency throughout the drills was lacking. His footwork was sometimes sloppy, his passes didn’t always meet the mark, and some of his throws lacked the zip that had made him so effective during his college career. The interviews with NFL teams were equally critical, as Howard’s answers were analyzed in detail, with many evaluators noting that his decision-making and ability to read defenses needed improvement.
Despite the rough performance, Howard remained calm, acknowledging the need for improvement and promising to take the feedback he received to heart. However, the pressure of knowing that his stock could drop after such a performance was undeniably heavy. For Howard, it was a reminder that no matter how good you are in college, the transition to the NFL level is a different beast altogether.
Shedeur Sanders: A Rising Star with Empathy for Howard
Shedeur Sanders, the dynamic quarterback from Jackson State, has been making waves as a potential first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. His style of play, charisma, and leadership have garnered widespread attention. However, more than just his on-field ability, Sanders has also become known for his leadership and support of other players, especially those in similar positions as him. It is in this context that his support of Will Howard following the rough Combine performance carries weight.
Sanders, who had his own share of Combine struggles and challenges, knows what it’s like to face the intense scrutiny that comes with the NFL Draft process. After his own experiences, Sanders became vocal in his support for other players who might be going through rough patches. It’s easy to forget that even the most highly touted prospects, like Sanders and Howard, are still young men facing monumental pressure to perform at their best.
For Sanders, it was clear that Howard’s journey wasn’t defined by a single rough day at the Combine. In a social media post and interviews, Sanders made a point to reach out to Howard, offering words of encouragement. Sanders shared his own experiences of overcoming struggles, emphasizing the importance of mental toughness and resilience in overcoming setbacks. Sanders’ message was simple: “One day doesn’t define you. Keep working, keep grinding, and never let anyone tell you who you are or what you can achieve.”
This sentiment is one that resonates deeply, particularly in the high-pressure world of the NFL Draft. Players like Sanders and Howard are under constant evaluation, and the Combine is just a single moment in a much longer process. The support from someone like Sanders, who has been through similar pressures and come out stronger, is an affirmation that Howard’s journey is far from over. It’s a reminder that failure is often a temporary state, and with the right mindset, it can become the foundation for future success.
The Impact of Sanders’ Support on Howard and the Ohio State Program
Sanders’ support has not only provided personal encouragement to Will Howard but has also highlighted a larger culture of camaraderie among college athletes, even those from different schools and conferences. Sanders’ gesture underscores the importance of mentorship and networking in the world of college football and beyond. While college football is often seen as a highly competitive environment, there is also a sense of community that transcends rivalries and individual accomplishments.
For Ohio State, a program known for its high standards and elite-level athletes, the relationship between Howard and Sanders is a testament to the broader character and leadership that players like Sanders are bringing to the game. Ohio State’s rich football culture has produced countless NFL-caliber athletes over the years, and players like Howard continue to add to the program’s storied history. While Howard’s Combine struggles were a setback, Sanders’ support speaks to the strength of the culture at Ohio State and the broader college football community.
Howard, who was once seen as a sure bet for a top pick, now has to navigate through the challenges of proving himself once again. This will involve not just honing his physical skills but also cultivating the mental strength to weather the ups and downs of the NFL Draft process. Having Sanders in his corner, someone who has faced similar challenges and overcome them, will only help Howard stay grounded and focused as he works to improve his draft stock.
Shedeur Sanders’ Own Journey: Learning from Setbacks
It’s important to understand that Sanders’ support of Howard is rooted in his own experiences with setbacks and the lessons he learned along the way. Sanders, a quarterback who has wowed scouts with his playmaking ability and leadership, was not always viewed as a guaranteed first-round pick. His decision to transfer from Florida Atlantic to Jackson State—following in the footsteps of his father, Deion Sanders—was met with skepticism by some, but Sanders embraced the opportunity.
His time at Jackson State wasn’t just about dominating opponents on the field; it was also about defying the odds and proving to the world that he belonged at the highest levels of college football. Along the way, Sanders faced doubters, criticism, and setbacks of his own, from injury concerns to questions about his ability to play against top-tier competition. But each of those challenges only strengthened his resolve, and through it all, Sanders became an even more polished and confident player.
When Sanders faced adversity during his journey, he turned it into fuel. That mindset is exactly what he is trying to impart to Howard. “Setbacks happen,” Sanders remarked in an interview. “But it’s how you respond that matters. The Combine is just one step in the journey. What matters is how you continue to grow and how you move forward.”
Sanders’ experiences not only shaped him as a player but also as a leader. The empathy he displayed toward Howard reflects a deeper understanding of the pressures that come with the NFL Draft process, and it emphasizes the importance of perseverance, both for Howard and for others who may face similar trials.
A Bright Future for Will Howard
Despite the challenges at the Combine, Will Howard’s future is far from bleak. With the support of players like Shedeur Sanders, Howard is equipped with a renewed sense of confidence and a clearer perspective on how to approach the next steps in his career. He still has time to prove himself, and his athleticism, arm strength, and leadership qualities are undeniable.
The NFL Draft is not won or lost at the Combine. It’s the culmination of a player’s entire career, including their training, interviews, and on-field performances. Howard’s rough day in Indianapolis may be remembered as a moment of growth, a moment where he learned how to bounce back stronger. For Howard, and for others who face similar challenges, the key is to take the lessons learned from adversity and build upon them.
Shedeur Sanders’ support is a reminder that college football is about much more than just the games played on the field. It’s about the relationships built between players, the mental strength needed to overcome adversity, and the drive to reach the next level. With Sanders’ backing and his own drive to succeed, Will Howard is poised to continue his journey—one that might include a significant comeback from a challenging Combine.
