NFL Reveals Will Howard’s Reaction Before Steelers Drafted QB

The Steelers waited until the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft to select a quarterback, and fans got a good view of how grateful he was.

Pittsburgh drafted Will Howard with the 185th pick, and the 23-year-old will compete with Skylar Thompson and Mason Rudolph this offseason — also Aaron Rodgers if he chooses to sign with the Steelers. Howard was expected to be a Day 3 pick, but it still was a long time to wait, and the season finale of “Hey Rookie, Welcome to the NFL,” showed the agony the Ohio State product went through.

“Please pick me, please. Please pick me, Pittsburgh,” Howard said, per the NFL.

The quarterback got his wish and was pumped up when he got the phone call from Pittsburgh. The teaser clip also showed Howard’s emotions and him hugging his mother, taking in the moment that he’ll get a chance to live out his football dream. The clip concluded with Howard taking a leap into a pool and celebrating his big day.

Head coach Mike Tomlin noted that Rodgers remains an option for the Steelers after the draft, but Hoawrd hopes he can carve out a future with Pittsburgh and help it achieve the same success he led Ohio State to during his Buckeyes career.