Steelers quarterback Will Howard, who hasn't taken a single snap in the NFL, is already getting huge hype, with former NFL head coach Jon Gruden comparing him to a Super Bowl-winning signal-caller. This isn't just some off-hand remark either; Gruden has been hyping Howard for a while now, and this latest take is wild.
Gruden's Double-Take on Howard's Talent
Seriously, Jon Gruden is all-in on this guy. Before the 2025 NFL Draft even happened, Gruden was already comparing Howard to Bills quarterback Josh Allen, pointing out his size and running ability on his "QB School" show. Now, over a year later, the comparisons are getting even bigger. Gruden jumped on Cam Heyward's "Not Just Football" podcast and didn't hold back, saying Howard "has the it factor." He praised the young QB's "very good charisma," called him "smart," and a "great communicator." Gruden even name-dropped Howard's college wins, noting he "did it at Kansas State" and "won the National Championship at Ohio State," giving him that "winning aura that a lot of people covet." The real shocker came when Heyward asked Gruden about Brad Johnson, the guy who won Super Bowl XXXVII. Gruden flipped it, comparing Johnson directly to Howard! He called Johnson "the bull" because he was "tough as hell," "took a lot of shots," and was a "great pocket passer" and "communicator." Johnson was also "loyal to the team," never "said anything negative," and was "mentally and physically tough." Just think, Johnson was drafted way down at 227th overall in the 1992 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, but went on to start 125 games in a 15-year career. His 2002 season with Gruden, where he threw for 3,049 yards, 22 touchdowns, and six interceptions en route to that Super Bowl victory, was arguably his best.Zero NFL Snaps, All The Hype, And A Battle Ahead
Howard is a 2025 sixth-round pick, and yeah, we need to repeat: he hasn't taken a single snap in the NFL. Despite that, the praise isn't just coming from Gruden. Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy has spoken highly of Howard ever since he was hired back in January. Now, all this hype means Howard has some big, important weeks coming up in Latrobe. He's battling veteran Mason Rudolph for that backup quarterback role, which is a huge deal for a guy with zero game experience. If Howard can truly become someone like Brad Johnson, a guy who can step in, start games, and more importantly, win the big ones, Steelers fans are going to be absolutely ecstatic. This isn't just about a backup spot; it's about the potential for something truly special if these wild comparisons pan out. The pressure is on for Howard to show up in Latrobe and prove Gruden isn't just blowing smoke. Every rep in that backup battle against Rudolph is going to be crucial. Can this sixth-round pick, with all this incredible hype, actually live up to being compared to a Super Bowl winner? Steelers fans will be glued to every update, waiting to see if they've found their next "bull."This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.