If Will Howard was disappointed by his fall to the sixth round, his celebration after being drafted sure didn’t show it.
NFL Films documented Howard’s draft wait and eventual selection on the season finale of “Hey Rookie: Welcome to the NFL,” its annual series highlighting several draft prospects’ journeys to the NFL. Howard was one of four prospects highlighted on this year’s show along with former Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams.
In a clip from the show shared on the NFL’s official social media account, Howard cried tears of joy with his family after the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him with the No. 185 overall pick, then celebrated by doing a front flip into the pool at his family’s house in Downingtown, Pennsylvania – where he grew up an Eagles fan but will now have a family full of Steelers fans.
Will Howard manifested the @Steelers drafting him:
— NFL (@NFL) April 29, 2025
"Please pick me, Pittsburgh. Please pick me, please!" #HeyRookie Season Finale airs 9:30 pm ET tonight on ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/qwNIEs7Uw4
Howard’s family members – all still fully clothed like Howard – also jumped into the pool to celebrate with the former Ohio State quarterback.
.@whoward_ checking in #SteelersDraft pic.twitter.com/7nBVWIXTeK
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 26, 2025
While Howard’s draft wait lasted longer than hoped, his genuine enthusiasm to be a Steeler – alongside his Ohio State teammate and close friend Jack Sawyer – has been apparent from the moment he was selected. Even though he was just a sixth-round pick, he’s going to a team where he could have a chance to play early as the Steelers wait on an answer from Aaron Rodgers, who would be only a short-term answer at quarterback if he does sign in Pittsburgh considering he’s already 41 years old.
GO BUCKEYES GO STEELERS pic.twitter.com/xrSJAi518C
— Will Howard (@whoward_) April 26, 2025
Howard is currently one of three quarterbacks on the Steelers’ roster alongside Mason Rudolph, a longtime backup in Pittsburgh who rejoined the team this offseason, and Skylar Thompson, Howard’s former teammate at Kansas State.
