Steelers Rookie QB Will Howard Details Surprising First Encounter with Mike Tomlin

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard came away surprised from his first encounter with head coach Mike Tomlin.

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard preached early in the pre-draft process that he would love to be drafted by the Steelers. Howard recently hinted that love for Pittsburgh started with his first encounter with head coach Mike Tomlin, who he was surprised to find is very genuine.

“I walked into the Combine and I was like, ‘Damn, that’s Mike Tomlin,'” Howard said on the “Up & Adams” show. “For my whole life, he’s been like the longest-tenured coach in the league. And I walk in, and he just could not have been a more down-to-earth, genuine dude. And he’s been like that ever since. He’s the same guy every time you meet him. Just a true player’s coach. He’s gonna push you, but it’s out of love in a good way.”

That mutual respect has continued ever since the Steelers selected Howard in the sixth round (No. 185 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The 23-year-old already impressed the coaching staff during rookie minicamp and will have a chance to keep doing so during OTA’s with still no sign from Aaron Rodgers.

“He’s doing great, but again, we’re at the very beginning of it,” Tomlin. “I don’t know that we’re looking at it through that lens in terms of evaluating him. It’s more about getting to know him and just laying a good foundation that way.”

However, even if Pittsburgh eventually signs Rodgers, that will not change its long-term plan for Howard. The Steelers always wanted to take their time to develop the Ohio State product to give him the best chance to succeed at the next level.

That paired with a strong bond with Tomlin should only help him do just that.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Rookie QB Will Howard Details Surprising First Encounter with Mike Tomlin