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.