Billy Howton

William Harris Howton (born July 3, 1930) is an American former professional football player who was an end for 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) with the Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns, and expansion Dallas Cowboys.

Billy Howton
1952 Bowman football card
No. 86, 81
Position:End
Personal information
Born: (1930-07-03) July 3, 1930
Littlefield, Texas, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:191 lb (87 kg)
Career information
High school:Plainview (TX)
College:Rice
NFL draft:1952 / Round: 2 / Pick: 15
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Receptions:503
Receiving yards:8,459
Touchdowns:61
Player stats at PFR

As a rookie, Howton caught thirteen touchdown passes, a rookie record that was tied but not broken until 1998. Howton caught a total 503 career passes for a total of 8,459 yards. In doing so, he surpassed then leader Don Hutson to become the all-time leader in receptions and yardage. This made him the first receiver with 500 catches in pro football history. In over a half century since Howton's retirement, the dawn of improved passing has seen him drop into the top 50.

Despite his extensive credentials, he has yet to be named a finalist or semifinalist in Pro Football Hall of Fame balloting. He retired after the 1963 season, after four years with Dallas. In 2004, he was named to the Professional Football Researchers Association Hall of Very Good in the association's second HOVG class.

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