Just one day ahead of their preseason opener, the Green Bay Packers lost a legendary name. As a star receiver for the team, this 95-year-old’s contributions to the NFL will never be forgotten.
Born in 1930, the Packers star is on record being the oldest living NFL player. Lambeau Field’s rich history dates back to the days when he was a player, having set history on that exact field.
Green Bay Packers Organization and NFL Mourn the Loss of Billy Howton
Howton spent his first seven seasons in Green Bay. The Packers selected him in the 2nd round of the 1952 draft. Upon being drafted at 22-years-old, the star receiver would become the first rookie in NFL history with 1,000+ receiving yards.
His 1,231 yard rookie season may look bleak compared to Puka Nacua’s 1,486 in 2023. Regardless, he set a record that stood the test of time in a league not known for passing. Howton changed the course of history with his numbers as he was called “the toughest pass receiver to cover in the National League.”
Emlen Tunnell, a Hall of Fame safety, had high praise for the Packers receiver. Even though Howton’s career took place before the Super Bowl Era, he’s still remembered today. With four-Pro Bowl’s to his name, the Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer passed away on August 4.
News broke on Friday, August 8 of his passing. ESPN and many other outlets covered the news as Howton’s NFL career was more than just his numbers on the field. He spent 12 seasons in the league, ending his tenure on the Dallas Cowboys after a one year stint in Cleveland. Howton was a member of the Cowboys 1960 inaugural team.
From 1958 to 1961, he served as the first NFLPA President. Having attended player representative meetings dating back to 1956, he was chosen as the right man for the job. Howton’s time on the board lasted until 1970, which was his final year on the pension committee.
Packers and NFL Fans React to Howton’s Passing
Kevin Gallagher, an NFL Historian, noted that Howton retired as the NFL’s all time leading receiver in receptions (503) and receiving yards (8,459). He still holds the Packers single-game receiving record. He set the mark in 1956 with 257 yards against the Rams.
RIP Billy Howton🙏🏻🕯️#Packers Legend
End, 1952-63 Packers, #Browns, #Cowboys
At 95, he was believed to have been the oldest living NFL player.
Billy retired in 1963 as the #NFL‘s all-time leading receiver — in receptions (503) and receiving yards (8,459).
He holds… pic.twitter.com/cMHsl0oDCv
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) August 8, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
This Packers fan was shocked by the news, “We talked about Billy Howton not 2 days ago in show prep when discussing expectations for Matthew Golden’s rookie season.” While it’s nearly impossible to compare Matthew Golden to Howton, he’s one of the most highly touted 1st round picks in Packers history.
“Quite the prolific WR for them back in the 50s…” this fan said. “RIP to this one time Packer great.”
Someone else chimed in, showing off Howton’s trading cards, “Rest in peace, Billy Howton. I have always felt that Howton deserved more PFHOF consideration, a great player in his era.”
Seemingly every major news outlet has covered the receiver’s death. Passing away at 95, it’s common knowledge at this point that he was the oldest living NFL player. It remains to be seen if the Packers will honor him in any way for their preseason opener.
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