Long-standing Green Bay Packers player and the NFL's oldest living athlete succumbs to death at the age of 95.
Billy Howton: Pioneering Wide Receiver and NFL Legend
Billy Howton, a trailblazing wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL), passed away on August 4, 2021, at the age of 88. Known for his exceptional hands and route-running ability, Howton played a significant role in shaping the passing game during the 1950s and early 1960s.
Howton's professional football journey began when he was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 1952 NFL Draft. During his time with the Packers, Howton became one of the top receivers of his era, leading the league in receiving yards twice and earning four Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honours.
In 1952, Howton made history by becoming the first rookie in NFL history to record a 1,000-yard receiving season. By the end of his career, he had surpassed Hall of Famer Don Hutson in receptions and receiving yards, solidifying his place as one of the Packers' greatest receivers.
In 1959, Howton was traded to the Cleveland Browns, but he returned to the Packers in 1960. During his seven-season tenure with the Packers, Howton caught 303 passes for 5,581 yards and 43 touchdowns. He also holds the team record for most receiving yards in a single game, with 257 yards against the Los Angeles Rams in 1956.
One of Howton's most memorable moments came in 1957 when he scored the Green Bay Packers' first-ever receiving touchdown at Lambeau Field. Howton's contribution extended beyond his on-field performance, as he served as the founder and first president of the NFL Players Association from 1958 to 1962.
In 1961, Howton led the Dallas Cowboys in receptions with 56 catches. After a season with the Browns, he returned to the Packers for one final season before retiring in 1963. By the time he hung up his cleats, Howton had become the league's all-time leader in receptions (503) and receiving yards (8,459).
Billy Howton will be remembered as one of the pioneering wide receivers who helped transform the passing game in professional football. His legacy continues to live on, inspiring future generations of players to push the boundaries of the sport.
In 1961, Billy Howton, the NFL legend, led the Dallas Cowboys in American-football receptions. Before his brief stint with the Cowboys, he had already drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the NFL Draft of 1952, marking the beginning of his illustrious professional football career.
