NFL veteran Billy Howton, allegedly the last living NFL player, passes away at the age of 95
Former NFL Star and NFL Players Association Founder Billy Howton Passes Away at 95
Billy Howton, a legendary NFL wide receiver and the founder of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), has died at the age of 95 in Houston.
Howton was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and earned three All-Pro honors during his illustrious career, highlighting his elite status at the position. He was the first NFL rookie ever to record over 1,000 receiving yards, posting 1,231 yards in 1952, a record that stood until 1998.
Howton led the NFL in receiving yards twice (1952 and 1957) and once led the league in touchdown receptions (1956). Upon his retirement in 1963, Howton retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in receptions (503) and receiving yards (8,459), along with 61 career touchdown receptions.
In addition to his on-field achievements, Howton made a profound impact on players' rights and the NFL’s labor landscape. He was a founder and the first president of the NFLPA, serving from 1958 to 1961, playing a critical role advocating for player pensions, disability benefits, and establishing player representation within the NFL.
Thanks to his early leadership in the NFLPA, Howton helped pave the way for the modern rights and protections players enjoy today. His professional playing career timeline includes seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers, one season with the Cleveland Browns, and four final seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.
Howton was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1974 and the Rice University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1971 in recognition of his contributions at both collegiate and professional levels.
Born in Littlefield, Texas, in 1930, Howton began his NFL career as a second-round selection by the Packers in 1952. He scored the first receiving touchdown at Lambeau Field for the Packers in 1957 and when he retired in 1963, he held Green Bay's single-game franchise record with 257 receiving yards.
Howton was traded to the Dallas Cowboys as a member of their inaugural team in 1960 where he played with quarterbacks Eddie LeBaron and Don Meredith. He led the team in receptions in 1961.
Howton played under coach Tom Landry with the Dallas Cowboys. He spent the rest of his career with the Dallas Cowboys.
Howton's impact on the NFL will be felt for generations to come, both on and off the field. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
References:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame (2020). Billy Howton. [online] Available at: https://www.profootballhof.com/players/billy-howton/
- NFL.com (2020). Billy Howton. [online] Available at: https://www.nfl.com/player/billyhowton/2507653/careerstats
- Sports Reference (2020). Billy Howton. [online] Available at: https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/billy-howton-1.html
- NFLPA (2020). Billy Howton. [online] Available at: https://www.nflpa.com/players/billy-howton
- Green Bay Packers (2020). Billy Howton. [online] Available at: https://www.packers.com/history/billy-howton
In the realm of American football, Billy Howton's name will always be synonymous with legends like those enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Despite his retirement, his impact on the sport as a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL receiving yards leader continues to reverberate, much like ripples in a digital crypto market after a significant investment. This pioneer of player representation, having founded the NFL Players Association, paved the way for modern player rights and protections, extending his impact beyond the football field.
