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In the high-stakes world of the NFL, the mentorship dynamic between veterans and rookies isn't always straightforward, especially for quarterbacks where competition can be fierce. An evident example is Ben Roethlisberger, who during his active years was not inclined to mentor Mason Rudolph. However, retirement seems to have given Roethlisberger a fresh perspective, as he appears to be more open to guiding the next generation of Pittsburgh Steelers.

One such rookie benefitting from Roethlisberger's newfound mentorship is Will Howard, a sixth-round draft pick who led the Ohio State Buckeyes to a national championship in 2024. Though Howard's draft status might not reflect high pedigree, his performance and attitude have drawn praise. He discussed his evolving relationship with Roethlisberger in an appearance on the Up & Adams show.

"We actually have the same agent, so we got connected through that. He's been really good, he's been super supportive of me through this whole process," Howard shared. "I didn't talk to him before becoming a Steeler, but throughout now being a Steeler, getting to know him, he's been really helpful for me. Texting me, checking in last week. Just been a really good mentor. I can see him being a really good mentor for me going forward, and he's been super nice to me so far."

Before their first meeting on the Footbahlin podcast earlier this month, Roethlisberger publicly dispensed advice on how Howard can successfully navigate his role as a rookie backup quarterback. His counsel emphasized aspects such as arriving in Pittsburgh early, engaging with the community, preparing as if he were the starter, and being a supportive teammate.

Eager to heed Roethlisberger's advice, Howard has actively started ingratiating himself with the Pittsburgh fan base, attending photo ops in the city's Strip District and going to a Pirates game alongside teammate Jack Sawyer. Furthermore, he demonstrated his dedication by requesting the playbook immediately after being drafted.

Howard’s efforts were clearly visible during rookie minicamp earlier this month, where he reportedly performed well. While the path ahead remains uncertain, the mentorship from a future Hall of Famer like Roethlisberger could be an invaluable asset as Howard seeks to make his mark in the NFL.