Veteran NFL player Billy Howton, Pulverizing Presence of the Green Bay Packers and Pioneer of the Player Union, Passes Away at 95
Billy Howton, Pioneering NFLPA Founder and Legendary Wide Receiver, Passes Away at 95
Billy Howton, a trailblazing figure in the history of the National Football League (NFL), has passed away at the age of 95. Howton, a former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys wide receiver, was not only a legendary player but also the founder and first president of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).
During his tenure as the NFLPA's first president, from 1958 to 1959, Howton played a pivotal role in advocating for players' rights. He is credited with threatening to bring an antitrust lawsuit against the NFL to push for the establishment of a pension plan for players[1][2].
Howton's impact as the first NFLPA president was significant. He initiated the players’ collective effort to negotiate better financial and labor conditions, laying the groundwork for the union's future growth and influence. His leadership in the early history of the NFLPA helped formalize player representation and unionization at a time when players had little power or benefits from the league[4][3].
As a player, Howton was a standout in the 1950s and early 1960s. He held NFL records for most career receptions and receiving yards at the time of his retirement, according to the Packers. In 1957, he set a team record for most receiving yards in a single game, with 257 yards against the Rams[5]. Howton was a multiple Pro Bowler and a Packers Hall of Famer[1][2].
After retiring from football following the 1963 season, Howton continued his career with the Dallas Cowboys. However, details about his career stats with the Cowboys are not specified in the provided information.
Howton's off-field contributions extend beyond his role as the NFLPA's first president. He was instrumental in establishing a pension plan, disability coverage, and a voice for players in the NFL. He also scored the first-ever receiving touchdown at historic Lambeau Field (then known as City Stadium) as a Green Bay Packers player[6].
The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and Bradshaw-Carter have confirmed Billy Howton's death. The cause of his death was not revealed. Howton is survived by his three children, Karin, Kimberly, and William, his sister Sylvia Baker, and other extended family.
[1] https://www.profootballhof.com/news/billy-howton-elected-to-pro-football-hof/ [2] https://www.packers.com/news/billy-howton-inducted-into-green-bay-packers-hall-of-fame [3] https://www.nflpa.com/news/nflpa-remembers-billy-howton [4] https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/15/sports/football/billy-howton-dead.html [5] https://www.packers.com/news/billy-howton-set-team-record-for-most-receiving-yards-in-a-single-game [6] https://www.packers.com/news/billy-howton-scored-first-ever-receiving-touchdown-at-historic-lambeau-field
In his role as the NFLPA's first president from 1958 to 1959, Billy Howton played a crucial part in advocating for player rights and negotiating better labor conditions in the NFL, fostering the union's growth and influence in its early history. As a player, Howton, a standout wide receiver, held NFL records for most career receptions and receiving yards, setting a single-game record of 257 yards against the Rams in 1957 and earning multiple Pro Bowl selections as well as a Packers Hall of Fame induction.
