Steelers Now
Having the chance to learn from a four-time NFL MVP like Aaron Rodgers is something that rookie quarterback Will Howard doesn’t take for granted. Last week at mandatory minicamp, Howard was in awe after meeting the future Hall of Fame QB that he grew up watching.
“I had an open seat next to me, and there came Aaron,” Howard said in an interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I just thought it was pretty cool that he was willing to sit next to me. I remember even Day 1 he had a couple of things that we hadn’t really gone over yet … a couple of things he was asking me for clarification on. I’m like, ‘Holy s—, man. Aaron Rodgers is asking me questions right now, and I’m answering them. What is going on?'”
Rodgers has been an open book for Howard.
“He’s been so awesome to me so far,” the former Ohio State quarterback explained. “Obviously we’ve only gotten to be together for about three days, but I got a really good feeling about him, about this whole QB room. I think we already in this past week meshed really well, hit it off. I think we got a good vibe, good group. Aaron has been so willing to help me. He’s like, ‘Literally, as much or as little as you want me to help you, I’ll be there.’
“He’s already given me tips, little things here and there in the meeting room, on the field, in my drops, different little things. Obviously I can’t do the things that he can do mechanically, so I don’t want to replicate that too much, because that’s pretty unique. But for the most part, everything I can learn from that guy is invaluable.”
Rodgers revealed during his introductory press conference 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.”
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love recently revealed that Rodgers played a big part in his development.
“In my time with A-Rod, we had a great relationship. It was awesome being in the same room with him, being able to learn. He was amazing with everything. And I definitely appreciate the way he handled everything on the outside with obviously him leaving and me taking over, and he’s been very supportive of me [since],” Love said in an interview with Jason Wilde of ESPN Milwaukee.
Brett Favre didn’t necessarily welcome Rodgers with open arms in 2005, but that wasn’t the case for Love. Rodgers made sure to be a good mentor.
Rodgers is now trying to do the same for Howard. There’s a...
