“I Don’t Get It.” Ben Roethlisberger Calls Out Media Criticism of Rookie Will Howard

The debate around rookie quarterback Will Howard has taken a dramatic turn after franchise legend Ben Roethlisberger publicly defended the young passer and criticized what he believes is unfair treatment from the media.

Howard, a sixth-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, entered the NFL with relatively modest expectations. Like many quarterbacks selected outside the early rounds, he was initially viewed as a developmental project rather than an immediate contender for a starting role. However, even before he has had the chance to fully prove himself at the professional level, skepticism about his long-term potential has already begun circulating among analysts.

Roethlisberger, however, believes that criticism has gone too far.

Roethlisberger’s Blunt Message

Speaking during a recent discussion about the Steelers’ quarterback situation, Roethlisberger didn’t hide his confusion about the narrative forming around Howard.

“I don’t get it,” he said, referring to the constant doubts surrounding the rookie. According to the two-time Super Bowl champion, the level of negativity directed at Howard seems disproportionate for a player who hasn’t even had a meaningful opportunity to establish himself in the league.

Roethlisberger explained that young quarterbacks often require time to adapt to the speed and complexity of the NFL. Expecting immediate stardom—especially from a sixth-round selection—can create unrealistic standards that few players could meet.

His comments quickly sparked debate across the National Football League community.

Why Howard Faces So Much Skepticism

Part of the criticism surrounding Howard stems from the realities of draft history. Quarterbacks taken late in the draft rarely become long-term franchise starters. While there are famous exceptions, the odds historically favor higher-drafted prospects.

Because of that pattern, many analysts view late-round quarterbacks as depth options rather than serious future starters.

However, Roethlisberger argued that such assumptions can overlook a player’s development potential.

“Just because someone wasn’t taken in the first round doesn’t mean they can’t play,” he suggested, pointing out that success stories occasionally emerge from unexpected places.

The comment carries additional weight considering Roethlisberger himself understands the pressure of playing quarterback in Pittsburgh better than almost anyone.

The Steelers’ Quarterback Conversation

The Steelers’ quarterback situation has been one of the most closely watched topics since Roethlisberger retired after the 2021 season. The franchise spent nearly two decades with stability under center, but the transition afterward has required experimentation and patience.

Now, with multiple young quarterbacks competing for opportunities, every new addition to the roster becomes a subject of intense scrutiny.

Howard’s arrival fits that pattern perfectly.

While he may not have entered the league with the same hype as early-round prospects, his supporters believe he possesses qualities that could translate well to the professional level—size, mobility, and a strong arm.

Roethlisberger appears to be among those supporters.

Why Roethlisberger’s Opinion Matters

When Roethlisberger speaks about quarterbacks in Pittsburgh, fans listen carefully.

After all, he led the Steelers to two Super Bowl championships and remains one of the most accomplished players in franchise history. His understanding of the position—and the pressure that comes with it in Pittsburgh—gives his perspective credibility.

That’s why his defense of Howard carries weight in the broader conversation.

Roethlisberger didn’t claim that Howard will definitely become a star. Instead, his point was simpler: the rookie deserves time and opportunity before being judged.

Fans React

As expected, Steelers fans are divided.

Some agree with Roethlisberger’s perspective, arguing that young quarterbacks should be evaluated only after they’ve had real opportunities on the field.

Others remain skeptical, believing the team must eventually find a more proven long-term solution at quarterback.

On social media, the debate intensified almost immediately after Roethlisberger’s comments surfaced. Some fans praised him for supporting a young player trying to establish himself in the league.

Others suggested the criticism Howard faces is simply part of playing quarterback in the NFL.

The Reality for Young Quarterbacks

History shows that many successful quarterbacks faced early doubts before proving themselves.

Even players who later became stars often endured skepticism during the early stages of their careers. The transition from college football to the NFL is notoriously difficult, and development rarely follows a straight path.

Roethlisberger appears to believe Howard deserves the same patience that every young quarterback needs.

The Question Still Hanging Over Pittsburgh

Whether Howard ultimately becomes a key part of the Steelers’ future remains uncertain. For now, he is simply another young quarterback attempting to carve out a role in one of the NFL’s most storied franchises.

But Roethlisberger’s comments have added a new layer to the conversation—one that challenges the assumptions many analysts have already made.

And it raises a question that Steelers fans are now debating more than ever:

Is Will Howard being underestimated before his NFL story has even truly begun?