BREAKING NEWS: Steelers Backup QB Will Howard Turns Down $20M Offer from Browns and Ravens — “My Heart Belongs to Pittsburgh”
PITTSBURGH — In a stunning move that is sending shockwaves across the NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback Will Howard has officially turned down lucrative contract offers worth nearly $20 million from two of the Steelers’ fiercest rivals — the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens.
Howard, who joined the Steelers with modest expectations, has quickly grown into a fan favorite in Pittsburgh thanks to his grit, poise under pressure, and loyalty to the black and gold. According to league insiders, both the Browns and Ravens aggressively pursued Howard, dangling big-money deals that would have instantly elevated his role from a backup to a potential starter. But the 24-year-old QB didn’t flinch.
“My heart belongs to Pittsburgh,” Howard told reporters late Saturday night. “This city believed in me when others didn’t. I’m not chasing dollars — I’m chasing legacy. I want to win for the Steelers, for Coach Tomlin, and for these incredible fans.”
The announcement comes at a critical moment for the Steelers, who are building toward a playoff push and have been relying on depth at the quarterback position to keep momentum alive. While some analysts argue Howard could have secured a brighter spotlight — and a bigger payday — elsewhere, others believe his decision could cement him as one of the most beloved players in recent Steelers history.
Fans erupted across social media shortly after the news broke, with the hashtag #LoyalToTheSteelers trending within minutes. One lifelong supporter tweeted: “Howard is the kind of player you build a culture around. Not everything is about money — it’s about heart.”
The Browns and Ravens, meanwhile, are left scrambling, having lost out on a young quarterback many viewed as a rising star. But for Pittsburgh, the message is clear: Will Howard isn’t just another backup — he’s a Steeler through and through.
With the regular season heating up, Howard’s loyalty has given the Steelers not only a reliable option behind center, but also a powerful symbol of what the franchise represents: tradition, toughness, and an unwavering bond between team and city.
