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Billy Howton, Legendary NFL Wide Receiver, Passes Away at 95
Billy Howton, a former Green Bay Packers star and one of the most accomplished NFL wide receivers of all time, passed away at the age of 95 in Houston.
Born in Littlefield, Texas, in 1930, Howton began his professional football career with the Packers in 1952. He quickly made a name for himself, setting the NFL rookie record for touchdown receptions with 13 that year, a record that stood until 1998. In the same season, he also became the first NFL rookie to record a 1,000-yard receiving season, totaling 1,231 yards.
Howton's most memorable moment with the Packers came in 1957 when he scored the team's first receiving touchdown at Lambeau Field. He continued to shine on the field, leading the league in receiving yards in 1952 and 1957, and in touchdown receptions in 1956.
In 1959, Howton was traded to the Cleveland Browns, but he returned to the limelight in 1960 as a member of the Dallas Cowboys' inaugural team. He spent the rest of his career in Dallas, playing with quarterbacks Eddie LeBaron and Don Meredith.
Howton's impact on the field was not limited to his time with the Packers. He was a four-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro, and led the Cowboys in receptions in 1961 with 56. His career statistics are truly impressive, as he retired in 1963 as the NFL's all-time leader in receptions (503) and receiving yards (8,459), with 61 career touchdown receptions.
Off the field, Howton was a pioneer in player rights. He was a founder and the first president of the NFL Players Association, serving from 1958 to 1961. His dedication to player rights was evident even as an active player.
Howton's contributions to the sport were recognised with inductions into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1974 and the Rice Athletics Hall of Fame in 1971, where he had been an All-American college player.
Emlen Tunnell, a Hall of Fame safety, once said that for him, Billy Howton was the toughest pass receiver to cover in the National League. His legacy continues to be felt, as he is believed to be the oldest living NFL player.
Bradshaw-Carter Funeral Home confirmed Howton's death on Friday. His passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a rich legacy in the NFL.
- Billy Howton's dedication extended beyond the sports field, as he served as the first president of the NFL Players Association from 1958 to 1961, advocating for player rights in the realm of politics.
- Despite his retirement in 1963, Howton's impressive statistics in American-football still stand out, making him the NFL's all-time leader in receptions (503) and receiving yards (8,459) with 61 career touchdown receptions.
- The impact of Billy Howton on the sport of football, particularly American-football, is evident in the numerous accolades he received, including inductions into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame and the Rice Athletics Hall of Fame.
