Packers star Billy Howton, believed to have been oldest living NFL player, dies at 95

Billy Howton, a football legend and former Green Bay Packers star, passed away at the age of 95 in Houston. Howton was not only known for his exceptional skills on the field but also for his instrumental role as the founder and first president of the NFL Players Association.

Born in Littlefield, Texas in 1930, Howton made a name for himself as one of the most productive wide receivers of his time. He scored the Packers’ first receiving touchdown at Lambeau Field in 1957 and made history as the first NFL rookie to achieve a 1,000-yard receiving season with 1,231 yards in his debut year. Throughout his career, Howton led the league in receiving yards twice, earned four Pro Bowl selections, and was named All-Pro three times.

One of Howton’s most memorable performances came in a game against the Los Angeles Rams in 1956, where he set a single-game franchise record for the Packers with 257 receiving yards. By the time he retired in 1963, Howton held the NFL records for most receptions (503) and receiving yards (8,459). His contributions to the Packers earned him a well-deserved spot in the Packer Hall of Fame in 1974.

Hall of Fame safety Emlen Tunnell once described Howton as “the toughest pass receiver to cover in the National League,” a testament to his exceptional talent and skill on the field. After his time in Green Bay, Howton went on to play for the Cleveland Browns before joining the Dallas Cowboys as a member of their inaugural team in 1960. He finished his career in Dallas under the guidance of legendary coach Tom Landry, alongside quarterbacks Eddie LeBaron and Don Meredith.

Prior to his NFL career, Howton was a standout player at Rice University, where he earned All-American honors and later became a member of the Rice Hall of Fame. His impact on the game of football and his pioneering efforts as a player advocate with the NFL Players Association will forever be remembered in the annals of football history.

In honor of Billy Howton’s legacy, the football community mourns the loss of a true icon and pioneer in the sport. His contributions on and off the field have left an indelible mark on the game of football, and his memory will continue to inspire generations of players and fans alike.

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