Legendary Packers Star and NFLPA Pioneer Billy Howton Passes Away at 95: Untold Stories Revealed

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Reunited with his old college quarterback, Tobin Rote, Howton immediately established himself as a star in the league. He led the NFL with 1,231 receiving yards a rookie, catching 53 passes and 13 touchdowns in the process. Howton once again finished atop the league’s receiving leaderboard in 1956, collecting 1,188 yards and 12 touchdowns that year.AdvertisementHowton notably represented the Packers at the first-ever NFLPA Board of Player Reps meeting in December 1956. That’s when, according to the NFLPA website, Howton brought forth a list of grievances, which included his teammates’ demand for clean towels, T-shirts, socks and athletic supporters for the back half of two-a-day training camp practices.

Howton notably represented the Packers at the first-ever NFLPA Board of Player Reps meeting in December 1956. That’s when, according to the NFLPA website, Howton brought forth a list of grievances, which included his teammates’ demand for clean towels, T-shirts, socks and athletic supporters for the back half of two-a-day training camp practices.

Howton notably represented the Packers at the first-ever NFLPA Board of Player Reps meeting in December 1956. That’s when, according to the NFLPA website, Howton brought forth a list of grievances, which included his teammates’ demand for clean towels, T-shirts, socks and athletic supporters for the back half of two-a-day training camp practices.

Born in Littlefield, Texas, in 1930, Howton attended Rice University, where he became an All-American wide receiver. The Packers selected him the second round of the 1952 NFL Draft.Billy Howton, a legendary name etched into the annals of NFL history, passed away at 95, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that stretches far beyond the football field. Not only was Howton a Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer and one of the greatest wide receivers of his era, but he also played a crucial role as the first president of the NFL Players Association—a true trailblazer for player rights. Imagine the grit it took back in the ’50s to stand up and demand better conditions, pensions, and respect for players who had so little of a voice. Howton didn’t just play the game; he transformed it, laying down foundations that still benefit athletes today. His impact? Immense. His spirit? Indelible. This is the story of a man who caught record-breaking passes and fired up a movement that changed the face of professional football forever. LEARN MORE