Will Howard Takes Pay Cut Transitioning from Ohio State to NFL with Steelers
Will Howard took pay cut to go from Ohio State to Steelers
Yahoo! NewsImage: Yahoo! News
Quarterback Will Howard, drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, is earning less in the NFL than during his time at Ohio State. His current contract pays approximately $1.1 million annually, a stark contrast to his lucrative NIL deal that included a Ford Bronco and seven-figure earnings.
- 01Will Howard earns approximately $1.1 million per year with the Steelers.
- 02His NIL deal at Ohio State included a Ford Bronco and seven-figure earnings.
- 03Howard is not alone; other rookies like Riley Leonard are also facing pay cuts transitioning to the NFL.
- 04The trend highlights the financial impact of the NIL era on college athletes.
- 05Many top college players are initially earning less in the NFL than in college.
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Will Howard, the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is experiencing a surprising financial shift after being drafted in 2025. Despite achieving his dream of playing in the NFL, Howard revealed in an interview with The Athletic that he is earning approximately $1.1 million per year with the Steelers, significantly less than his earnings at Ohio State. His NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal included perks such as a Ford Bronco and earnings in the seven-figure range. This trend is not unique to Howard; other rookies, like Riley Leonard of the Indianapolis Colts, have also reported lower salaries in the NFL compared to their college earnings. The NIL era has allowed top college athletes to earn substantial amounts, but the transition to the NFL is leading some to take pay cuts, raising questions about the financial dynamics of college versus professional football.
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