The NFL offseason, particularly the Organized Team Activities (OTAs), often serves as a breeding ground for optimism, speculation, and sometimes, a healthy dose of comedic exaggeration. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the buzz around rookie quarterback Will Howard has reached a fever pitch, with some fans already drawing comparisons to none other than NFL legend Tom Brady. While these early-season observations are notoriously unreliable indicators of future success, the sheer enthusiasm of Steelers Nation highlights a deep yearning for a franchise quarterback. But how seriously should we take these “hilarious headlines,” and what do they truly reveal about the hopes riding on Howard’s young shoulders?
Will Howard, the former Kansas State quarterback and a recent Steelers draft pick, has quickly become the talk of the town thanks to his performances in early OTAs. While the drills are non-contact and largely conceptual, they’ve been enough to ignite a passionate fan base. The most outlandish, yet undeniably entertaining, comparison came from a Steelers fan tweet: claiming Howard was already “passing up NFL legend Tom Brady in OTA touchdowns.” This, of course, is a stat that doesn’t exist, a testament to the hyperbole that often accompanies the start of any new season. The humor was amplified by a Vikings fan, who, perhaps as an extension of the joke or a subtle jab at Howard’s Ohio State rivalry roots with JJ McCarthy (Michigan), posted a similar quip.
The underlying sentiment behind these playful comparisons is clear: Steelers fans are desperate for a long-term solution at quarterback. After years of stability with Ben Roethlisberger, the post-retirement era has seen a carousel of signal-callers. The hope is that Howard, like Brady, a fellow sixth-round draft pick, could defy expectations and emerge as the franchise’s next great leader. This collective aspiration fuels the early buy-in, transforming modest OTA improvements into legendary benchmarks.
Howard himself has shown a mature approach to these early practices. He openly admitted to a “work in progress” first day, stating, “I didn’t feel great about my first day, but it was a good learning experience for me. I wasn’t expecting to be perfect on my first day. I’m not going to be perfect.” This self-awareness and willingness to learn from mistakes, especially as a rookie, are precisely the qualities that coaches look for. His reported improvement with each passing day is certainly encouraging for a team looking for a stable foundation at the most critical position.
However, it’s crucial to temper expectations. OTAs are a far cry from the regular season’s intensity, complexity, and pressure. While Howard’s early performances are positive signs, the road to becoming a franchise quarterback is long and arduous, fraught with challenges that these non-padded drills simply cannot replicate. The “Tom Brady comparison” is a testament to the hope and dreams of a passionate fan base, rather than a factual assessment of a rookie’s current abilities.
The comparison of Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard to Tom Brady, even in jest, perfectly encapsulates the eternal optimism of NFL fans during the offseason. While these “hilarious headlines” are a testament to the fervent desire for a franchise quarterback in Pittsburgh, they serve more as an entertaining side-note than a serious forecast. Howard’s professional demeanor and reported daily improvements are genuinely positive indicators, but the true test will come when the pads go on and the stakes are real. For now, Steelers Nation can enjoy the early hype, dream big, and eagerly await the journey of their hopeful future leader. What do you think about the early comparisons? Is it too soon, or is there a tiny spark of Brady in Howard? Let us know your thoughts!