Unlike many other QBs, Will Howard had a picture-perfect end to his college football career with lifting the national championship in his last game. But his entry into football was never an easy path. Long before making it big in college football, Howard would always go the extra mile that can separate him from others. Even during his high school days in Pennsylvania, when Howard won the QB battle against his senior, he would do extra training when no one would watch him do so at the front yard of his home in the dark with no proper lights.

That’s who Howard has always been. No spotlight. No complaints. And always deliver standout performances. Even though his late pick in the 2025 NFL Draft raised some serious questions about whether Howard is NFL-ready yet, the 23-year-old remains unfazed by the outside noise. Instead, the Pittsburgh QB is keen on “giving his all” to the team.

“It’s not a matter of what happens out on the field or if I play right away, it’s about getting better and it’s about learning,” Howard said. However, now that he has made a name for himself, the Steelers’ rookie QB wants to pay back the home he owes all of his glory to. He wants the younger generation to step forward and inherit some of his traits. His recent IG announcement backs his intention with an action.

Now, right after being settled in the Steelers QB room, Howard shared an update on Instagram that he’d be hosting his youth football camps in Ohio on June 14 and 15. A first-ever initiative to boost the young stars’ vision and motivation for a future in the game is open to all genders, inclusive of boys and girls aged between 6 and 16. Mind you, this is not just ANY event. FlexWork Sports Management, which is hosting the youth camp in partnership with the former Buckeyes’ QB, has also partnered with Bo Nix, Aaron James, Jaylen Warren, and a few other renowned names from football. And Howard’s camp has Raising Cane’s as their sponsor.

The event will descend upon the Pickerington North High School Football Stadium. Howard beamed with joy and pride, stating, “Buckeye Nation, excited to announce my first ever youth camps with/ @Flexworkmgt in both Pickerington and Akron!”

Just a week later, he reposted it on his story. The goal is to let the unaware know so that they won’t miss their chance.

Now that’s huge. For a player like Howard with an A-lister resume both in high school and college, it’s commendable to step beyond his limiting interest and immerse himself in fostering a better, brighter generation to carry the torch.

Forget all the recent NIL drama, ditching, and poaching stories. Look at Howard and his ideas! That’s what a sports person ideally does. But the athlete coming with a ‘team-first’,’ future generation first’ approach is now on the verge of perhaps the toughest battle in his pro debut.

Will Howard might not end up as the Steelers’ QB1

The Steelers’ QB room is a mess. They re-signed veteran Mason Rudolph and continue to lurk behind the 41-year-old free agent Aaron Rodgers. NFL head coach Jon Gruden slammed them over the indecision, stating, ”I don’t know what Pittsburgh’s doing at quarterback.”  He added to the chaotic direction of Mike Tomlin, “Maybe Aaron Rodgers, like he’s going to solve all your problems. It sounds great, but two years ago, he was out for the year.”

Meanwhile, they took a big step, drafting Howard on the board. But CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso believes Howard has ample reasons to worry, He said the Steelers can view Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt as their future. His strong running and improved passing skills, and mobility can be the ideal fit for the Steelers at the center for 2026.

But no worries. Howard got the nerve to fight. No complaint, no talk, sheer determination. That’s how he drove through a major setback against Michigan and walked away with a Natty. “The things that I went through, and I learned how to push through adversity,” Howard said. “How to come back from bad things. That gave me a pretty hard head. I got a chip on my shoulder, and I like to carry that with me.” Certainly, the boy is a gem that the Steelers will find hard to pass on.