Aug 26, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; A Green Bay Packers helmet sits on the sidelines during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

‘We Are Saddened By The Passing’: Green Bay Packers Legend Died

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Aug 8, 2025 2:28 PM ET

Per the Associated Press, a Green Bay Packers legend died at 95. Billy Howton was believed to be the oldest living NFL player before his passing.

“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,” per the AP report. “He was 95.

“Howton died in Houston on Aug. 4, 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.”

A Green Bay Packers legend died

Howton was selected by the Packers in the second round of the 1952 draft. The standout for Rice earned first-team All-Pro honors twice. He played with Green Bay through 1958 before spending time with the Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys. He was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame.

The end played in 142 games and started in 133. He recorded 503 receptions for 8,459 yards and 61 touchdowns. He holds the Packers’ single-game record with 257 yards.

Howton did more than catch passes for the Packers. He was their first union representative for Green Bay and served as the first NFLPA President from 1958 to 1961.

The NFLPA released a statement on Billy Howton’s death

RIGHT: Tobin Rote, starting quarterback for most of his seven seasons in Green Bay, poses for a photo in 1954. ABOVE: Quarterback Babe Parilli (right) talks with fellow rookies Bobby Dillon, Bill Reichardt, Chuck Boerio, Billy Howton and Tom Johnson (left to right) during a training camp practice in 1952. TOP: Max McGee was a rookie in this 1954 publicity shot. He played his entire 12-year career for the Packers.File photos Mandatory Credit: Green Bay Press-Gazette – USA TODAY Network

On Friday, the NFLPA released a statement honoring Howton.

“We are saddened by the passing of Billy Howton,” the NFL posted on X. “He was a key figure in the NFLPA’s formation & a pioneer for player rights. Because of Billy’s advocacy as our first president, today’s players have a pension, disability benefits & a voice of their own in the business of football.”

We are saddened by the passing of Billy Howton. He was a key figure in the NFLPA's formation & a pioneer for player rights. Because of Billy's advocacy as our first president, today's players have a pension, disability benefits & a voice of their own in the business of football. pic.twitter.com/8Ya20DJNTD

— NFLPA (@NFLPA) August 8, 2025

Nov 28, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; General view of a Green Bay Packers helmet during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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