Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Desmond Howard

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 29, 2025

Discover the career path of Desmond Howard, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Desmond Howard is a former NFL wide receiver and current ESPN sportscaster. He achieved fame as a return specialist, setting NFL records for punt return yardage. A standout at the University of Michigan, he won the Heisman Trophy in 1991. Drafted into the NFL in 1992, Howard played for 11 seasons. He notably won Super Bowl XXXI MVP with the Green Bay Packers after a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown, a Super Bowl record at the time. He remains the only special teams player to ever receive the Super Bowl MVP award. Howard was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010 and has been an analyst on ESPN's College GameDay since 2005.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1991: Dominant Season

In 1991, Desmond Howard had an outstanding season, catching 62 passes for 985 yards and scoring 23 total touchdowns, while also rushing for 180 yards and gaining 694 yards on special teams. He won the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, and Walter Camp Award, earning unanimous All-American honors.

1991: Heisman Trophy Winner

In 1991, Desmond Howard won the Heisman Trophy while playing college football for the Michigan Wolverines.

1992: Drafted by Washington Redskins

In 1992, Desmond Howard was selected by the Washington Redskins in the first round, fourth overall in the NFL draft.

1992: NFL Draft Selection

In 1992, Desmond Howard was selected fourth overall in the NFL draft by the Washington Redskins.

1995: Plays for Jacksonville Jaguars

In 1995, Desmond Howard played one season for the Jacksonville Jaguars after being selected in the NFL expansion draft.

1996: Outstanding Season with the Green Bay Packers

In 1996, Desmond Howard had an outstanding season with the Green Bay Packers, leading the NFL in punt returns, punt return yards, punt return average, and punt return touchdowns. He also had a blunder in the second half where he failed to come out of the locker room in time for the start of the third quarter.

1998: Led NFL in Kickoff Returns

In 1998, Desmond Howard spent the football season with the Oakland Raiders. He led the NFL in kickoff returns with 61 and kickoff return yards with 1,381.

1999: Rejoined the Packers

In 1999, Desmond Howard rejoined the Green Bay Packers after spending the previous season with the Oakland Raiders.

1999: Signed by the Detroit Lions

In 1999, Desmond Howard was signed by the Detroit Lions after being cut by the Packers. He spent the rest of his career with the Lions.

February 2001: Pro Bowl Appearance

In February 2001, Desmond Howard made his first and only Pro Bowl appearance as the NFC's kick returner.

2002: Retirement after the 2002 Season

Desmond Howard retired from professional football after the 2002 season, concluding his career with the Detroit Lions.

2005: ESPN College Gameday Analyst

In 2005, Desmond Howard began traveling with Chris Fowler, Lee Corso, and Kirk Herbstreit to marquee matchup sites during the season for the pregame show ESPN College Gameday.