Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Will Howard received some blunt and brutal criticism from a former NFL quarterback.

"We have a heavy Pittsburgh influence on our schedule," Nantz said on NFL Network Wednesday, helping reveal the 2025 slate. "There's a lot there to like about the Steelers, especially if they're good.

While the league’s schedule makers — much like the rest of the NFL community — would have preferred to know where Aaron Rodgers will be playing in 2025, NFL vice president of planning and scheduling Mike North indicated the league accounted for him possibly landing in Pittsburgh to face his former Jets team to open the season.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) celebrates Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) AP

NFL Network's own Rich Eisen engaged in some major speculation following the schedule release Wednesday night. While appearing on the network, Eisen suggested the Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 1 opponent was a massive clue the NFL expects Aaron Rodgers to sign with the team.

NFL owners will discuss a proposal to allow players under contract to participate in flag football when the sport makes its Olympic debut in 2028 in Los Angeles.

The NFL schedule for the upcoming season was released on Wednesday, and fans can secure their tickets now to see the Pittsburgh Steelers in action.

"I believe that Mike Tomlin is unfireable," former Pro Bowl safety Ryan Clark said Thursday on ESPN. "I believe if Mike Tomlin steps away from being the coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, that should be his decision. And I've said time and time again: I do believe that should be the decision that he makes.