Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard has never seen a wide receiver with a stature like DK Metcalf’s.
“I mean, just look at the guy. He’s a specimen. He’s something else,” Howard said at minicamp on Thursday. “”Just the way he covers ground in his strides — and the way that he works.”
Metcalf, who stands at 6-foot-4, 226 pounds, ran a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash at the 2019 NFL Combine. That time was a record for the fastest 40-yard dash by a player weighing over 225 pounds at the combine.
Metcalf famously chased down Budda Baker from returning an interception for a touchdown in 2020. Baker intercepted a pass near the goal line and had a clear path to the end zone, potentially scoring a pick-six if it wasn’t for Metcalf’s herculean effort. To say the least, Metcalf’s a freak of nature.
Howard also praised the veteran receiver for welcoming him with open arms.
“It’s rare to see somebody that’s willing to catch for a rookie quarterback on any route he needs,” Howard said. “You know, ‘Hey DK, can you go spot up a corner for me?’ ‘No problem.’ He’s super hardworking — just respectful, goes about his business, and a great dude too. If I make a good play, he’s coming over to me and dapping me up. He’s been awesome, man, and I’m excited to get to work with him.”
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers revealed during his introductory press conference on Tuesday that he looks forward to serving as a mentor for Howard.
“Will’s a good kid,” Rodgers said. “Got to talk a little bit. I thought he did really well today. he seems pretty bright. [The game’s] not too big for him. He got through progressions really well. I’m gonna be with him every single day and every single meeting. Found my seat next to him in the offensive meeting… I’m gonna help him out as much as I can.”
Howard is chomping at the bit to learn from one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history.
“I was fired up,” Howard said when he heard that Rodgers signed with the Steelers. “Believe me. That’s a guy I grew up watching, idolizing, and it’s cool to be in the same room with him. Just hearing, first day, his thoughts and the way that he looks at things. He’s a legend in this game. I’m gonna try and learn as much as I can from him and be the best support guy that I can be for him. I think it’s amazing. The opportunity for me to learn and to work with a guy like that is second to none.”
Having the chance to learn from a four-time NFL MVP like Aaron Rodgers will only set Howard up for success at the next level, and he knows that.
“I’ve been watching him pretty much, damn near, my whole life. There’s a lot of things I’ve picked up from him. The things he can do...
