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Billy Howton, Former NFL Receiver and Players Association President, Dies at 95

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Billy Howton, a legendary wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers and the first president of the NFL Players Association, passed away on August 4 at the age of 95. He spent seven seasons as the Packers' leading pass catcher and was known for his exceptional speed, cockiness, and ability to get open on deep fly patterns. In 1952, Howton broke the record for receiving yards in a season, leading the league with 1,231 yards. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was named All-Pro twice.

Key Takeaways:

  • Billy Howton played seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers (1952-1958), leading the team in receiving yards in both 1952 and 1956.
  • He was the first president of the NFL Players Association, elected in 1958, and threatened to file an antitrust suit against the owners unless they established a benefits plan.
  • Howton was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was named All-Pro twice during his playing career.
  • He was known for his exceptional speed and ability to get open on deep fly patterns, earning the respect of his peers and opponents alike.
  • After retiring from the NFL, Howton worked in real estate, construction, and securities, but was convicted of mail and wire fraud in 1981 and sentenced to five years in prison.
  • He was released from prison in 1983 and went on to live a long and storied life, passing away on August 4 at the age of 95.

Statistics:

  • 1,231 receiving yards in 1952, leading the league in receiving yardage.
  • 55 receptions in 1956, leading the league in receptions.
  • 8,459 receiving yards in his career, the most in league history at the time of his retirement.
  • 503 catches in his career, the most in league history at the time of his retirement.
  • 5,581 receiving yards in seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers.
  • 200 more receptions for 2,878 yards in four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.
  • Convicted of mail and wire fraud in 1981, sentenced to five years in prison.

Sources:

  • "Billy Harris Howton" by David Maraniss in "When Pride Still Mattered"
  • "The Greatest Story in Sports: Green Bay Packers 1919-2019" by Cliff Christl
  • Associated Press
  • United Press
  • The Green Bay Press-Gazette

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