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Big Ben Criticizes Rookie QB After Camp: “Steelers Can’t Count on an Aaron Rodgers Quick Fix”

Pittsburgh, Tuesday Training Camp – At Steelers camp, rookie quarterback Will Howard has just delivered a practice performance that’s turning heads across the league. Completing 31 of 35 passes (an 88% rate), throwing 12 touchdowns, running in two more himself, and not a single interception, Howard was absolutely on fire. Scouts are raving, calling him perhaps the most prepared rookie QB Pittsburgh has seen in years: “Calm. Sharp. Confident.”

Rookie Will Howard embraces Pittsburgh's QB scrutiny — and its  pronunciation of his last name | TribLIVE.com

But for Ben Roethlisberger – the Steelers’ legendary QB with two Super Bowl rings – this is only the beginning. Immediately after practice, Big Ben didn’t hesitate to point out Howard’s mistakes: hesitancy in reading coverage, holding onto the ball a bit too long in the pocket, and a few timing issues with his receivers.

Steelers rookie QB Will Howard just fine being under the radar | Pittsburgh  Post-Gazette

“It’s not that I hate him, so I criticize him. I see my younger self in this kid’s effort. I want to pass on my ‘secrets’ so he can go further than I did, and give back to the Steelers,” Ben told the media.

Scouts couldn’t stop praising: “Calm. Sharp. Confident.” But under NFL pressure, it’s the tough love from a veteran like Ben that will truly shape Howard’s future. Learning directly from Big Ben, Howard is starting to add the poise and grit that made Ben a legend at Heinz Field.

Why Big Ben's Return to Football is the Return of the Century – The Miner  Detail

The numbers speak for themselves. Will Howard is putting together a dream training camp:

  • 31/35 completions (88% completion rate)

  • 12 Passing Touchdowns (effective in both red zone and full-field drills)

  • 2 Rushing Touchdowns (showing improved mobility)

  • 0 Interceptions (big plus for ball security)

  • Steelers NFL draft deep dive: Will Howard's success at Ohio State wasn't  just about his talented receivers | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

    But NFL greatness is built on more than training camp stats. Big Ben knows this better than anyone. Instead of heaping praise, Ben’s holding Howard accountable, pushing him to face real adversity. That’s why these honest, even harsh, critiques are actually pure gold for the rookie.

    Mason Rudolph has been 'awesome' for Will Howard in murky Steelers QB group  | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

    Steelers tradition doesn’t tolerate complacency. From Terry Bradshaw to Big Ben, the QB position in Pittsburgh has always been forged under immense pressure and sky-high expectations. Will Howard is on the right path: learning, adjusting, and improving every single day. Ben’s tough words are, in truth, a mark of respect and the legendary “Iron City” spirit.

    Steelers fans, get ready: A Will Howard who can thrive under pressure, get tougher and sharper, might just be the next star in the making at Heinz Field.

    Chiefs Fan-Favourite WR Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
    Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee.  (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey ) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Rice, who grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose, has long credited that example with shaping his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Rashee that strength isn’t being unbreakable — it’s standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Rashee lives and plays today.” As a featured target in the Chiefs’ offense, Rice has earned complete trust for his short-to-intermediate separation, yards-after-catch power (YAC), and chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Coaches describe him as “calm, focused, and mature beyond his years,” a disciplined route-runner who finds tight windows in the red zone. Through Week 5 of the 2025 season, Rice has no registered game statistics as he serves a league-issued six-game suspension to start the regular season; major stat services list no 2025 game logs to date.  The Kansas City Chiefs have provided time and private support for Rice and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while messages commemorating “Spidey” continue to spread nationwide.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Rice kept his public remarks brief before leaving in the embrace of teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”