Will Howard
The Borough of Downingtown is proud to announce that Wednesday, July 9, 2025, will officially be recognized as “Will Howard Day” in honor of hometown hero and NFL quarterback Will Howard, who recently signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In recognition of his accomplishments and the inspiration he continues to provide to his community, the Borough will hold a special ceremony at Borough Hall at 5:00 PM, where Howard will be presented with an official proclamation and commended by local leaders and representatives.
A native of Downingtown, Will Howard’s football journey has captured the admiration of fans across the country. He first rose to prominence as the star quarterback at Downingtown West High School, where he led the Whippets to multiple playoff appearances, broke school passing records, and established himself as one of Pennsylvania’s top recruits.
He began his collegiate career at Kansas State University, where he quickly earned a reputation as a tough, intelligent, and resilient quarterback. After several standout seasons in the Big 12, Howard made the pivotal decision to transfer to Ohio State University for his final year of eligibility—setting the stage for one of the most memorable seasons in recent college football history.
In 2024, as the starting quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Howard led the team to an undefeated season and ultimately captured the College Football Playoff National Championship. His poise under pressure, leadership in the locker room, and ability to execute on the biggest stage helped return a national title to Columbus—and solidified his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation.
Following the historic championship run, Howard declared for the NFL Draft and was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the league’s most storied franchises. His signing has sparked excitement not only in Pittsburgh, but back home in Downingtown, where pride in his accomplishments runs deep.
“Will Howard is more than just an elite athlete—he’s a role model for our youth and a shining example of what it means to represent Downingtown with pride and integrity,” said Mayor Phil Dague. “From Friday nights at Kottmeyer Stadium to the national spotlight at Ohio State and now the NFL, Will’s story is one of determination, heart, and excellence. He never forgets his Downingtown roots, and we are proud to honor him with his own day.”
The proclamation ceremony will take place at 5:00 PM on July 9,2025 at Downingtown Borough Hall, in a small, private gathering. Mayor Dague and local officials will present Howard with a formal proclamation officially naming the day in his honor. The ceremony will also include remarks from local and regional representatives who will recognize Will’s impact both on and off the field.
As Will prepares to represent Pennsylvania again—this time in black and gold—his hometown celebrates a legacy still being written. July 9th will mark not only a day of recognition for Will Howard, but a moment of gratitude from a community that helped raise him.
