Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Billy Howton

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 9, 2025

How Billy Howton built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

William "Billy" Howton was a professional American football player who played as an end in the NFL for 12 seasons. He was most notable for his time with the Green Bay Packers, where he earned two first-team All-Pro selections and four Pro Bowl selections. Howton also played for the Cleveland Browns and the expansion Dallas Cowboys during his career.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1951: College Football Career End

In 1951, Billy Howton ended his college football career. He had 64 catches for 1,289 yards and 12 touchdowns.

1951: All-American Honors

In 1951, Howton received first-team All-American honors for playing college football for the Rice Owls.

1952: Led League in Receiving Yards

In 1952, Howton led the league in receiving yards.

1952: Drafted by Green Bay Packers

In 1952, Howton was selected in the second round of the NFL draft by the Green Bay Packers, and he led the league with 1,231 receiving yards.

1952: Touchdown Passes in Rookie Season

In his 1952 rookie season, Howton caught 13 touchdown passes.

1952: 1952 NFL Draft

In the 1952 NFL draft, Howton was the top receiver selected, surpassing future Hall of Famers such as Frank Gifford, Ollie Matson, and Hugh McElhenny.

1955: Pro Bowl Honors

In 1955, Howton earned Pro Bowl honors.

December 1956: Player Representative Meeting

In December 1956, Howton attended the first meeting of player representatives for the Packers.

1956: 257 Yards Against Los Angeles Rams

During his fifth season in 1956, Howton caught seven passes for a total of 257 yards against the Los Angeles Rams.

1956: All-Pro Selection and Led League in Receiving Yards and Touchdowns

In 1956, Howton was named All-Pro, led the league in receiving yards, and also led the league in touchdown receptions.

1958: Served as NFLPA President

In 1958, Howton served as the first NFLPA President.

1958: Packers' Player Representative and NFLPA President

In 1958, Howton was named the Packers' player representative and president of the NFL Players Association, playing a major role in establishing a pension fund for players.

January 1959: Hired Vince Lombardi

In January 1959, the Packers hired Vince Lombardi as head coach and general manager.

1959: Ultimatum to Owners

In 1959, Howton delivered an ultimatum to the owners that led to the establishment of the NFL Player Retirement Plan.

1960: Acquired by Dallas Cowboys

In 1960, Howton was acquired by the expansion Dallas Cowboys. That season the Cowboys recorded only a tie against the New York Giants.

1961: First Win in Franchise History

During the 1961 season opener, Howton contributed a game-high 138 receiving yards and a touchdown in the first win in franchise history for the Dallas Cowboys against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

1961: Continued Attendance at Player Representative Meetings

From 1956 to 1961, Howton consistently attended the meetings of the player representatives.

1961: Led Cowboys in Receiving

In 1961, Howton led the Cowboys in receiving with a career-high of 56 catches.

1962: Led Cowboys in Receiving Again

In 1962, Howton led the Cowboys in receiving for the second consecutive year.

September 29, 1963: NFL's All-Time Receiving Leader

On September 29, 1963, Howton became the NFL's all-time receiving leader, after breaking Don Hutson's record for career receptions and receiving yards.