Billy Howton former Green Bay Packers star and NFLPA founder passes away at 95 | NFL News
Billy Howton, a star wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers and the founder of the NFL Players Association, died on August 4, 2025, in Houston, Texas. He was 95 years old. Howton was seen as the NFL’s oldest living former player. He helped change the game and stood out on the field in the 1950s. One of the most important things: he was the first player to lead a rookie season with more than 1,000 receiving yards (1,231 yards in 1952). That’s why many remember him.
Billy Howton’s legendary career with the Green Bay Packers and NFL records
Billy Harris Howton was born in Littlefield, Texas, in 1930. In 1952, he joined the Green Bay Packers after playing football at Rice University. That year, he caught 1,231 yards as a rookie. He also became the first to score a receiving touchdown at Lambeau Field on September 29, 1957. In 1956, he hauled in 257 yards in one game against the Los Angeles Rams. That still is the Packers’ single‑game record. He played in four Pro Bowls and was All‑Pro twice. When he retired in 1963, he held NFL records for most catches (503) and most receiving yards (8,459).
How Billy Howton helped start the NFL Players Association for player rights
In 1956, Billy Howton helped start the NFL Players Association and became its first president. That group worked so players could have better rights and a pension. After seven years with the Packers, he went to the Cleveland Browns in 1959. Also Read: Former Giants star Dave Gallagher passes away at 73 after leaving NFL to become a surgeon He played there for just one season and led that team in catches. Then, in 1960, he joined the new Dallas Cowboys. He played four seasons there under coach Tom Landry and with quarterbacks Eddie LeBaron and Don Meredith.One memory: Hall of Famer Emlen Tunnell said before the 1958 season, “For my money, Howton is the toughest pass receiver to cover in the National League.” That shows how much respect he earned. Billy Howton passed away in Houston but left behind a huge impact on the game of football and the lives of many players. His name is remembered as a pioneer both on the field and in the NFL players’ fight for fairness.
