Packers star Billy Howton, believed to have been the oldest living NFL player, dies at 95

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

Updated 12:07 PM CDT, August 8, 2025

HOUSTON (AP) — Billy Howton, a former Green Bay Packers star regarded as one of the most productive wide receivers of the pre-Super Bowl era who was a founder and the first president of the NFL Players Association, has died. He was 95.

Howton died in Houston on Monday, according to an obituary. Bradshaw-Carter Funeral Home confirmed his death on Friday.

Howton was born in Littlefield, Texas, in 1930. He was believed to have been the oldest living NFL player.

Howton scored the Packers’ first receiving touchdown at Lambeau Field in 1957. He was a second-round selection by the Packers in 1952 and became the first NFL rookie with a 1,000-yard receiving season after recording 1,231 yards that year. He led the league in receiving yards twice, was named to four Pro Bowls and was a two-time All-Pro.



Read more: https://apnews.com/article/packers-nfl-billy-howton-dies-fe1ef682a1db159f81d08107e1fee431

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I'm a Packer fan, BTW.

[twodogsbarking]

1. Good story. I am an NFL fan and used to be a Steeler fan.

A shame he didn't live to see, you know, the world's largest party.

[brush]

2. Thanks for the OP. He was before my time but I have to say...

Over 1200 yards in a season back then is quiite impressive as in the '50s the seasons were only 12 games IIRC.

[muriel_volestrangler]

3. Shows that the life expectancy of an NFL player ain't great, if he was the oldest

A smaller league back then, I know, but still, as far as I can tell, when he joined in 1952 it was 13 teams. They must have taken on at least 4 new players each, every year (probably a lot more, since some would have short careers). Call it 60 new players every year.

Compare that with moon astronauts - since Jim Lovell died today too, and they're about the same ages. Lovell was the oldest of the 24 orbiters or walkers left alive - aged 97. Mostly born between 1928 and 1936, so between 2 and 3 a year.

https://science.nasa.gov/moon/moon-walkers/

Still left from the 24 are Aldrin (about 95), Scott (93), Duke (90), Schmitt (90), and Haise (92).

[area51]

4. RIP