Billy Howton, Packers Star and NFLPA Pioneer, Dies at 95

HOUSTON – Billy Howton, whose formidable career as a Green Bay Packers receiver was matched only by his groundbreaking work as the founding president of the NFL Players Association, has died. He was 95. His family confirmed his death on Friday.

Howton leaves a dual legacy that forever altered the landscape of professional football. On the field, he was one of the most dominant pass-catchers of the 1950s, a lone star on struggling Packers teams who retired with more receptions and receiving yards than anyone in NFL history. Off the field, he was a pivotal figure in the fight for player rights, laying the groundwork for the powerful union that advocates for athletes today.

Mark Murphy, President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers, mourned his passing in a statement released Saturday. "The Packers family is saddened to hear of the passing of Billy Howton," Murphy said. "He was a great player for us during a difficult time for the franchise and was one of the premier receivers of his era. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family."

A Dominant Force in a Bygone Era

A first-round draft pick out of Rice University in 1952, Howton made an immediate impact, leading the league in receiving yards with 1,231 in his rookie season. Over a 12-year career with the Packers (1952-58), Cleveland Browns (1959), and Dallas Cowboys (1960-63), he established himself as a premier offensive weapon.

When he retired in 1963, his 503 career receptions and 8,459 receiving yards stood as NFL records. He also scored 61 touchdowns and was selected to the Pro Bowl four times. Despite playing on Packers teams that won just 33 games during his seven seasons in Green Bay, his individual excellence was undeniable, earning him a place in the Packers Hall of Fame.

"For a decade, Billy Howton was the standard by which all other receivers were measured," said football historian John Turney. "His numbers were remarkable for an era that was dominated by the running game. He had speed, precise route-running, and incredible hands."

Forging a Union for Players

While his on-field statistics are impressive, Howton's most enduring contribution to the sport came from his work in establishing the NFL Players Association. In 1956, players across the league faced low pay, no pension, no health insurance, and were required to pay for their own equipment.

Sensing the need for collective action, Howton, along with a small group of players including Kyle Rote and Don Shula, founded the NFLPA. Howton was elected its first president. The union's initial demands were modest by today's standards: a minimum league salary of $5,000, team-provided equipment, and the establishment of a pension plan for retired players.

"There was no thought of a strike," Howton recalled in a 2010 interview with The Associated Press. "We were just a bunch of guys who thought we should be getting a better deal."

His leadership was instrumental in securing the first league-wide pension plan in 1959, a monumental achievement that provided a crucial safety net for players after their careers ended. This victory validated the union's existence and paved the way for future collective bargaining agreements that would transform player compensation, benefits, and working conditions in the decades to come.

The modern NFLPA, which now negotiates multi-billion dollar labor deals, released a statement acknowledging its debt to its founder. "Billy Howton's courage and foresight laid the foundation for everything we have accomplished. He was a pioneer who risked his career for the betterment of all players who would follow. We honor his legacy and mourn his loss."

Billy Howton’s career serves as a powerful reminder that the most significant impacts are often made both inside and outside the lines of play. He was a hall of fame-caliber player who became a transformational leader, ensuring his influence on the NFL would last long after his final reception.