Pittsburgh, PA – May 6, 2025. The NFL Draft is a time for building hope, but the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback selection has unleashed a firestorm among their loyal fanbase. With the 185th pick in the sixth round, the Steelers chose Ohio State’s Will Howard, sparking heated debate across Steeler Nation.
For head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan, the pick carried strategic intent. With Mason Rudolph as a stopgap starter and no long-term solution after losing Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, Pittsburgh needed a developmental quarterback to shape their future offense.
Yet, fans anticipated a bolder move, eyeing top-rated quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who shockingly fell to the fifth round. Instead, the Steelers opted for Howard, a 24-year-old with a winding collegiate path, leaving many questioning the front office’s vision.
Howard brings a unique resume, having played at Kansas State before starring at Ohio State. His journey through two programs honed his dual-threat skills, blending pocket presence with mobility that fits Arthur Smith’s scheme.
In his 2024 season, Howard threw for 2,848 yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, adding 433 rushing yards and seven scores. His leadership in guiding Ohio State to the National Championship game showcases potential as a future starter.
Still, the Steelers’ faithful are far from convinced. Passing on Sanders, seen as a franchise-altering talent, has ignited fury, with social media platforms like X and Reddit becoming battlegrounds for fan discontent.
One fan captured the mood: “We need to boycott! Sanders was right there, and we pick Howard? That’s a wasted pick when we could’ve fixed our secondary or O-line instead of a project QB.”
Another doubled down: “Steelers fans should boycott ticket sales. Drafting Howard over Sanders is a deliberate slap in the face. I’m done with this team.”
The outrage continued with posts like, “Boycott the Steelers! I’m selling my season tickets—this is a disgrace,” and, “Full boycott until Khan and Tomlin own up to this pathetic draft choice!”
While fan frustration boils, Howard’s upside offers a glimmer of hope. His development could prove Pittsburgh’s gamble visionary, but for now, Steeler Nation’s divide threatens to overshadow the team’s 2025 aspirations, leaving the front office under intense scrutiny.
