Ohio State QB Will Howard Sends a Thunderous Message to His Critics: I Don’t Have to Be Superman

As the season progresses, quarterbacks often find themselves in the crosshairs of intense scrutiny, especially when playing at a high-profile program like Ohio State. For Will Howard, a player with a blend of potential and experience, this scrutiny has been both a challenge and a source of motivation. In his latest statement to the media and fans alike, Howard sends a thunderous message to his critics: “I don’t have to be Superman.”

A Challenging Road to Ohio State

Will Howard’s journey to Ohio State wasn’t a typical path for a quarterback of his caliber. Recruited from a competitive high school program, Howard’s rise through college football has been marked by both triumph and adversity. He first started his collegiate career at a smaller school where he garnered attention due to his impressive arm strength, leadership, and poise under pressure. But it wasn’t until a transfer to Ohio State that he truly entered the spotlight.

Joining a team like Ohio State, with its storied history and constant national attention, comes with its own set of challenges. Expectations are sky-high for every player that steps onto the field, and the quarterback position, in particular, bears a significant burden of those expectations. Howard was fully aware of this when he decided to make the move, but the reality of living up to those expectations has proven to be a different story.

The Weight of Expectations

Ohio State is a school with a legacy of legendary quarterbacks, from the likes of Troy Smith to Dwayne Haskins. When Howard was brought into the fold, the buzz surrounding his potential was palpable. Analysts and fans alike had high hopes for him, envisioning a quarterback capable of leading the Buckeyes to a national championship. But as is often the case with college football, the road to success is rarely linear.

Early in the season, Howard showed flashes of brilliance, but also had moments of inconsistency. The media and fan base quickly began to criticize his performance, often citing his inability to maintain a high level of play across multiple games. For a quarterback at Ohio State, such inconsistency can be a career-defining issue, especially when comparisons to the school’s past stars are inevitable.

The pressure mounted, and Howard found himself in the crossfire of critiques that ranged from his decision-making to his ability to lead the team. Some of the most vocal critics called for his replacement, arguing that Ohio State’s championship aspirations were too lofty for a quarterback who, in their eyes, lacked the “wow factor” to lead them to the promised land.

A Thunderous Response

Rather than bowing to the pressure, Howard decided to speak out in an unexpected and powerful way. In an interview with the media, he directly addressed his critics and sent a clear message: “I don’t have to be Superman.”

At first glance, these words might seem like an easy way to deflect the criticism, but upon deeper reflection, Howard’s statement is a testament to his self-awareness and maturity. Instead of trying to live up to an impossible standard of perfection, he acknowledged that his role on the team wasn’t to do everything, but to do what was necessary to win. This mindset is crucial for a quarterback, especially one playing for a team with championship aspirations.

“I know the expectations are high, and I know people want me to be perfect,” Howard explained. “But I’m not here to be Superman. I’m here to play my part, to do what the team needs, and to help us win. I don’t need to make every single play. That’s not my job. My job is to execute the offense, lead my teammates, and focus on the bigger picture. If I do that, then everything else will fall into place.”

The Importance of Team First Mentality

Howard’s statement isn’t just a defense of his own abilities or an attempt to quell the noise from outside sources. It reflects a deeper understanding of the nature of team sports, particularly at a place like Ohio State. Football is a collective endeavor, and for Howard, the success of the team is far more important than his individual accolades.

The quarterback position is often romanticized as the hero of the game, the player who can single-handedly win or lose a game. However, Howard’s words remind us that this perception is often misguided. A quarterback’s ability to win games doesn’t solely depend on his personal heroics; it depends on his ability to read the game, make smart decisions, and trust his teammates.

“I trust my offensive line to protect me, I trust my receivers to make plays, and I trust my coaches to put us in the best position to succeed,” Howard continued. “My job is to facilitate that, not to try and do everything on my own.”

In many ways, this approach mirrors the mindset of successful quarterbacks throughout history. Legends like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning were often defined by their ability to elevate the play of those around them. They didn’t try to do everything; they understood the importance of a balanced, team-oriented approach.

Learning from Past Struggles

Howard’s journey has not been without its setbacks. As with many young quarterbacks, the early years in college football were filled with growing pains. But rather than letting these struggles define him, Howard has chosen to learn from them. In fact, he believes that these experiences have helped shape his current mindset.

“Early in my career, I tried to force things. I thought I had to make every play, take every risk, and carry the team on my back,” he admitted. “But what I learned is that when I tried to do that, things often went wrong. Now, I focus on making the right decisions and letting the game come to me.”

This maturation process has been evident in Howard’s recent performances. He’s shown increased patience in the pocket, a better understanding of when to take risks, and a more refined ability to read defenses. His confidence has grown, not because he’s trying to be a superhero on the field, but because he’s come to understand that football is a team game, and his role is simply to do his part.

The Broader Impact on Ohio State

Howard’s message isn’t just important for his personal growth—it’s also crucial for the entire Ohio State program. The Buckeyes have long been a powerhouse in college football, but they’ve also faced their share of challenges in recent years. Whether it’s been coaching changes, roster turnover, or high expectations, the program has navigated difficult times.

In many ways, Howard’s philosophy could be the perfect antidote to some of the challenges facing Ohio State. For a team with championship aspirations, having a quarterback who understands that he doesn’t have to shoulder the entire burden is a refreshing and necessary mindset. It fosters an environment where every player on the team can buy into the collective goal and contribute to the overall success.

“Will’s mentality is exactly what we need,” said Ohio State’s head coach. “He’s not trying to be the hero. He’s focused on making the right plays, getting the ball to the right guys, and letting the team do its part. That’s the type of leadership we need, and I’m proud of how far he’s come.”

Looking Ahead

As the season continues, Howard will undoubtedly face more challenges and obstacles. The critics will continue to voice their opinions, and the expectations will remain sky-high. However, with his recent declaration, it’s clear that he’s ready to handle the pressure in a mature, team-first way.

For Howard, the message is clear: he doesn’t need to be Superman. He only needs to be Will Howard—smart, capable, and ready to do whatever it takes to help his team win.

As Ohio State marches forward, it’s clear that this mentality will be a cornerstone of their success. And for Howard, his message to his critics is more than just a statement—it’s a declaration of his commitment to his team, his growth as a quarterback, and his understanding of what it truly takes to win at the highest level.