During the recent NFL Draft, Ohio State quarterback Will Howard captured attention with a moment that quickly went viral. While being filmed for ‘Hey Rookie: Welcome to the NFL,’ Howard was heard expressing his hope to be picked by the Pittsburgh Steelers, saying, “Please pick me, Pittsburgh. Please pick me, please.” Shortly after, he received a call from the Steelers informing him of his selection in the sixth round.
Reflecting on this experience a week later, Howard said, “I’m not a huge believer in manifestation, but I guess in that case. I’m just glad that I was right.”
Howard had previously interacted with key figures from the Steelers organization during the NFL Combine and Pro Day events. These interactions included meetings with Coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Following these experiences, Howard expressed his desire to join the team: “I wanted to be a Steeler. Coach Tomlin, I want to play for him.”
The call from General Manager Omar Khan triggered an emotional response from Howard as he celebrated with his parents. “It meant the world to me,” he shared. “My parents have been there with me all the way.”
In addition to celebrating with family, Howard fulfilled a personal promise by jumping into a pool fully clothed after receiving the draft call. He explained this decision humorously: “Throughout the whole three days… I’m doing a freaking nose-dive in the pool with all my clothes on whenever I get this call.”
Since being drafted, Howard has taken some time to relax before preparing for minicamp. He spent time golfing with his father and visited Pittsburgh alongside family members and teammate Jack Sawyer’s family.
As he looks forward to beginning his professional career, Howard remains grateful for achieving his lifelong dream of playing in the NFL: “It’s still surreal that I am in the NFL… It’s something I’m going to keep close to my heart.”
Howard reflected on how proud his younger self would be of reaching this milestone: “All those years of work… The younger me would be in awe.” His message resonates not only as personal triumph but also as inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere.
