Pittsburgh Steelers QB Will Howard warms up before his team’s Week 18 game against the Baltimore Ravens this past season. Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Will Howard didn’t even take a snap this past season. The Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback is still one of the most loved players in the entire NFL, according to a recent study done by Vegas Insider.
The outlet “analyzed Reddit discussions across NFL and team subreddits, tracking how often players are mentioned and whether that conversations skews positive or negative.” Howard was listed at No. 18 on the list, ahead of household names such as Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes.
There were 16 cherished signal-callers on Vegas Insider’s list, including former Steelers passers Russell Wilson (No. 8) and Justin Fields (No. 9). Aaron Rodgers, who Howard learned under this past season and could be back in black and gold next go-round, was No. 10. Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft, was the only other rookie quarterback named.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard at practice on Oct. 23, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The Steelers selected Howard, 24, in the sixth round of last year’s draft. The Ohio State product broke his pinky finger early in training camp and was on the injured reserve well into October. New Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy is intrigued by Howard’s ability, and he could be an option for the team next season.
Even Steelers icon Ben Roethlisberger is in Howard’s corner.
“I love his heart, his fire, I think he is Pittsburgh,” Roethlisberger said last month on his podcast. “I think he’s tough, he’s gritty, he’s going to get you what you want. Could be completely wrong, but I think you have a guy in there.
“Do I think Will Howard is a top-10 quarterback of all time, like by the time he’s done? Maybe, probably not. But that doesn’t mean he can’t be a top-five guy in the league for numerous years. Or top-10 guy. And that guy can get you Super Bowls.”
Josh Allen was tabbed as the No. 1 player on Vegas Insider’s list, while Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Kenneth Grant followed at No. 2. Bo Nix (No. 4) and Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Ty Robinson (No. 5) rounded out the top five.
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