NFL veteran and initial president of the National Football League Players Association, Billy Howton, passes away at the age of 95
Billy Howton, NFL's All-Time Leading Receiver, Passes Away at 95
Billy Howton, a legendary figure in the National Football League (NFL), has passed away at the age of 95. The former Green Bay Packers wide receiver, who was the NFL's oldest living player at the time of his death, leaves behind a rich legacy in the sport.
Howton's career spanned 12 years (1952-1963), during which he played for the Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns, and Dallas Cowboys. He was drafted by the Packers in the second round (15th overall) in 1952 and made an immediate impact, leading the NFL with 1,231 receiving yards as a rookie and adding 13 touchdowns in just 12 games.
In Green Bay, Howton set a still-standing franchise record for receiving yards in a single game, recording 257 yards against the Los Angeles Rams at Lambeau Field on October 21, 1956. He also scored the first Packers receiving touchdown at Lambeau Field in 1957.
Howton was a four-time Pro Bowler and a three-time All-Pro selection. He topped the league in receiving yards (1,188) and touchdown catches (12) in 1956, earning the first of two consecutive All-Pro first-team honors. In 1952, he earned his first Pro Bowl selection.
As a player representative for the Green Bay Packers, Howton played a crucial role in the formation of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) in 1956. He served as the NFLPA's first president from 1958 to 1961.
Howton retired as the NFL's career receptions leader (503) and receiving yards leader (8,459) in 1963. He is also the all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards for the NFL.
Beyond his on-field success, Howton is remembered for his toughness and productivity in the pre-Super Bowl era. He is inducted in the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame (1974) and the Rice University Athletics Hall of Fame (1971).
Howton's impact on the sport and his leadership in players' rights make him a notable figure both for his on-field accomplishments and his contributions off the field. He will be deeply missed by the NFL community.
References:
- Packers.com
- ESPN.com
- Pro Football Hall of Fame
- Rice Athletics
- Sports Illustrated
The team at Green Bay Packers, where Howton spent a significant part of his career, will undoubtedly miss a player who not only brought victories with his remarkable performances but also championed players' rights as a representative. His touchdowns were iconic, with the one at Lambeau Field in 1957 being particularly memorable, but it's his role in forming the NFL Players Association that left an indelible mark on sports, shaping the NFL landscape we know today. As American football continues to evolve, Howton's name will remain synonymous with the NFL's golden era. The 1952 NFL draft, in particular, will always be remembered for the impressive selection of Billy Howton, whose historic contributions have left a lasting impression in the annals of the game.
