The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a great history as a franchise, and the organization is considered one of the most consistent and successful throughout all major sports. Some of football's most well-remembered stars have donned the black and gold, and a lot of those players still stay active within the organization and around the city. One player that has stayed up to date with the franchise is former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He has been present in the media through his own podcast, and he has also made several appearances at games in the city.
Jared Wickerham / Getty Images
Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger points towards the sky after a big-time touchdown.
Roethlisberger is considered one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the NFL, and he should be a first ballot Hall of Famer. He won two Super Bowls during his career and played in three, and the city of Pittsburgh loved him throughout his time with the Steelers. It should excite fans to know that he has been helping young quarterback Will Howard throughout the first season and offseason of his career, as Howard shared on The Christian Kuntz Podcast that Roethlisberger has always kept his door open to the former Ohio State Buckeye. He shared this when asked about the situation he was drafted into.
"It's not a bad scenario at all," Howard said. "I am in great hands. I got to learn. Everyone talks about last year saying it was a wasted year, it was not. I know I was on IR for 10 weeks, but I just got to sit there and watch Aaron [Rodgers]. I got to study, I got to break down clips for him. I was his signal guy. He let me pick his brain, and he was just so good with me. All throughout last year, even through this offseason. And then obviously, Ben. Ben's been a great resource. He's always said to me, 'Anything you need man, my door is open.'"
Everyone already knew that Aaron Rodgers has been a great mentor to Howard. The veteran quarterback has been a great mentor throughout his career when it comes to younger quarterbacks, and that was shown during his time with the New York Jets when the team was featured on HBO's Hard Knocks. He was shown actively mentoring Zach Wilson on the show.
Barry Reeger / Imagn Images
Steelers quarterbacks Will Howard, and Aaron Rodgers warm up prior to Pittsburgh's 34-12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11 of the 2025 NFL regular season.
Rodgers is already an incredible resource, and Roethlisberger is another Hall of Fame quarterback for the young quarterback to have a chance to learn from. Each quarterback is obviously different as Rodgers is in the building running the offense alongside Howard, while Roethlisberger is probably helping Howard with the mental side of the game. Both of the legendary quarterbacks will help Howard take steps forward in his career.
Roethlisberger had Howard on his podcast before the 2025 season even got underway, and hearing the two talk about the game and Howard's journey was fascinating. Roethlisberger is clearly a fan of Howard, and he has been a strong proponent of giving the young quarterback a chance to start at some point. With Rodgers likely returning for the 2026 season, that probably won't happen anytime soon.
Barry Reeger / Imagn Images
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers warms up before a home game against the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2025 season.
Steelers' Will Howard Has Received Ringing Endorsements From Absolute Legends
Both Roethlisberger and Rodgers have been very public with how they feel about Howard as a player. Each has said that he has all of the tools to be successful, he just needs a shot. Hopefully that shot can come in 2027 after Rodgers potentially decides to retire. He would have to compete with Drew Allar, who the franchise just drafted in the third round. There is no guarantee that Howard will become anything at the NFL level, but there is some good reason for optimism considering what has been said about him by both Roethlisberger and Rodgers.
What do you think about Howard and Roethlisberger being somewhat close? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
#SteelerNation