Viral Farewell Quote Misattributed to Will Howard and the Pittsburgh Steelers
A comment attributed to quarterback Will Howard has created confusion and emotional responses among Pittsburgh football fans. Message reads:
“Thank you for allowing me to enjoy the game again. I know I was only in stripes for a year, but thank you Pittsburgh for providing me the opportunity to rediscover my passion of the game! My devotion was genuine, and it sprang directly from the friendships, coaching, and relationships I formed at Steelers.”
Will Howard did not write the quote, despite its intensity and deep sentiment. Hayden Hurst, an NFL tight end, shared these thoughts in early 2023 after leaving the Cincinnati Bengals. Hurst’s original statement referenced his one-year time with the Bengals, with the “stripes” referring to their distinctive striped outfits.
Will Howard, a great quarterback who came to Ohio State from Kansas State, had a successful 2024 season, helping the Buckeyes win the national championship. There is currently no record of Howard playing for or being linked with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he has not made any public statements about Pittsburgh or the organisation.
The misattribution appears to be the result of a widespread online trend in which emotive sports remarks are modified, reshared, and falsely attributed to other players or teams in the hopes of going viral. In one case, someone swapped Hurst’s name with Howard’s, and “Bengals” with “Steelers,” confusing fans and social media users.
Will Howard has not released a parting message to the city of Pittsburgh or the Steelers. As of early June 2025, he remains a promising quarterback prospect who is poised to take the next step in his football career, but not with the Steelers.
