A Surprising Endorsement Sends Shockwaves Through Pittsburgh
In a twist few NFL fans saw coming, former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden has gone public with a bold prediction:
Will Howard — the Pittsburgh Steelers’ rookie quarterback — is on track to become the team’s next starter.
Gruden’s comments, delivered during a recent interview with a national radio show, immediately set off a wave of reaction across the NFL world. With the Steelers navigating one of the most unstable quarterback situations in the AFC, Gruden’s endorsement has poured gasoline on an already heated debate.
“The kid’s got it,” Gruden said. “I’m telling you — Will Howard is going to be the Steelers’ starting quarterback sooner rather than later.”
Coming from a coach known for his strong quarterback evaluations, these words carry weight.
Why Gruden Is All-In on Will Howard
Gruden pointed to three core traits that make Howard a future starter in Pittsburgh:
1. Physical Tools
At 6’4”, 240 pounds, Howard fits the profile of a modern NFL power passer. Gruden praised his ability to extend plays, shrug off pressure, and fire strikes on the move.
2. The “Gamer” Mentality
Gruden highlighted Howard’s college tape, where he consistently delivered in high-pressure situations — something Steelers fans have been desperate to see from the position.
3. The Perfect System Fit
According to Gruden, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s scheme is a “quarterback-friendly, play-action-heavy attack designed for a big, decisive passer like Howard.”
What This Means for Russell Wilson and Justin Fields
Gruden’s comments have intensified the spotlight on the Steelers’ crowded QB room, which already features:
- Russell Wilson, the presumed Week 1 starter
- Justin Fields, the electric former Bears QB seeking a career reset
- Will Howard, the rookie many expected to sit and develop
Until now, Howard was viewed as a future piece — not an immediate challenger.
But Gruden’s statement has sparked speculation that the Steelers might have a shorter leash on both Wilson and Fields than initially expected.
Could Howard leapfrog them?
Some insiders believe Gruden is voicing what people inside the Steelers organization have been whispering privately:
Howard is further along than expected and already turning heads in the quarterback room.
Steelers Fans React: Hope, Skepticism, and a Lot of Questions
Steelers Nation quickly took to social media after Gruden’s comments went viral:
- Optimists are thrilled at the idea that Pittsburgh may have quietly landed a future franchise QB.
- Skeptics question Gruden’s motives and wonder whether he’s simply hyping up a rookie he liked during pre-draft evaluations.
- Realists note that Wilson and Fields provide veteran insurance — but neither has long-term security.
One fan on X wrote:
“If Will Howard becomes the starter, it means one thing: we finally found a guy who can win big games.”
Another countered:
“Let’s slow down — he hasn’t played a single NFL snap yet.”
Is Gruden Right? Early Signs Say… Maybe
Steelers coaches have been quietly impressed with Howard’s:
- command of the huddle
- pre-snap recognition
- willingness to take shots
- competitiveness during reps against the first-team defense
Multiple beat reporters have hinted that the rookie has been “better than advertised” — though no one went as far as Gruden.
Still, his bold statement has forced a new question into the spotlight:
Is Will Howard the future of the Pittsburgh Steelers — and sooner than anyone expected?
Final Thoughts: A Quarterback Battle With No Ending in Sight
With training camp approaching and all three quarterbacks vying for the starting job, the Steelers suddenly have one of the most intriguing QB storylines in the NFL.
Jon Gruden may have just lit the fuse on a quarterback debate that could define Pittsburgh’s season.
And if he’s right?
The Steelers may have quietly drafted the next face of the franchise.
