Ahead of Michigan game, Will Howard's parents reflect on quarterback's journey to Ohio State
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- While it might be stressful being an Ohio State fan, being a parent of a Buckeyes football player takes it to a whole new level.
It's a shared experience for all the families that take the field week after week. But that experience is heightened for the parents of the starting quarterback who's trying to lead a team to a national championship and this week, an elusive win over Michigan.
"This rivalry game means everything. We talk about it all the time," Will Howard said after the win over Indiana. "I'm just honored to be able to be a part of it, and I won't take it lightly."
Of the tens of thousands of fans watching Howard, it's his dad, Bob, and mom, Maureen, that go through the most emotion.
"[Bob] has got a calm exterior, but there's some churning going on inside," Maureen said. "Don't be fooled."
They're used to being parents in college football. Four seasons at Kansas State prepared them for the brighter spotlight at Ohio State.
"We knew that college football journey has highs and lows, and you have to be ready for the rollercoaster ride, so I think that prepared us -- like 'OK, let's do it.' There's going to be good moments, bad moments, and everything in between," Maureen said.
Howard, a graduate, has the best completion percentage in the country at 74%. Against Indiana, he completed 22 of 26 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns.
His dad knew that he was athletic from a young age.
"Two years old, he was shooting baskets in the basement, making them. We said there's something a little different about him but never expected this really," Bob said. "This is a dream. It's been a fun ride."
A ride that's had plenty of twists and turns, especially for the Howard family. This season has seen Howard fall short in the final drive against Oregon and finding redemption in more ways than one in the victory over Penn State.
"I was praying. I was literally praying the whole time. People always ask me if I get nervous and I always say, I kinda go by Will and if he's calm and feels ready then I'm much calmer," Maureen said. "I saw the look in his eyes and I knew they weren't going to lose that game."
And through all the touchdowns and mistakes in between, the Howards have nothing but gratitude, as well as a bit of advice of any parent of a college football player.
"Just have fun. They have to grow in school, with the team, develop different coping techniques. Grow thick skin if you have to," Bob said. "We always say to Will, you know, 'great game'. No matter how good the outcome is."