Green Bay Packers Legend, Oldest Living NFL Player Dead At 95 originally appeared on The Spun.
One of the many Green Bay Packers stars of the pre-Lombardi era and the league’s oldest living player has reportedly passed away.
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According to ESPN Milwaukee, former Packers All-Pro pass catcher Bill Howton has passed away at the age of 95. Howton played 12 years in the NFL, the first seven of which were with the Packers. He led the NFL in receiving yards as a rookie, recording 1,231 yards and 13 touchdowns on just 53 receptions, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors for his superb efforts.
Even though it’s been nearly 70 years since his final game in Green Bay, Howton still holds the team’s single-game receiving yards record (257 in 1956) and single-season receiving yards by a rookie.
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An impressive legacy
The arrival of the legendary Vince Lombardi in 1959 marked the end of Howton’s time in Green Bay. Howton was traded to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for Bill Quinlan and Lew Carpenter, both of whom would contribute to multiple title teams during Lombardi’s legendary career with the Packers.
Howton would play one year in Cleveland and his final four years with the expansion Dallas Cowboys. He would be one of the lone bright spots on some of the worst teams in NFL history as a young Tom Landry built the team into what would be a powerhouse in the 1970s.
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At the time of his retirement, Howton was the NFL’s all-time leading receiver with 503 receptions and 8,459 yards, replacing the legendary Don Hutson for the distinction.
Howton’s impact on the NFL extended beyond the gridiron though. He helped form the NFL Players Association in the late-1950s and served as the organization’s first President from 1958 to 1962.
NASHVILLE, TN – AUGUST 09: A close up of a helmet of the Green Bay Packers on the sideline during a game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on August 9, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
Tributes
NFL fans and historians have been paying homage to the fallen legend, with many arguing that he deserves a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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“Rest in peace, BillyHowton. I have always felt that Howton deserved more PFHOF consideration—a great player in his era,” one fan wrote on X.
“RIP the great BillyHowton, aged 94. Truly one of the great players of his era that deserved much more HOF consideration than he got!” wrote another.
“Another all-time great who at least deserved #PFHOF consideration while he was alive. #RIPBillyHowton.”
Our hearts go out to Mr. Howton’s family and loved ones.
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Green Bay Packers Legend, Oldest Living NFL Player Dead At 95 first appeared on The Spun on Aug 8, 2025
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Aug 8, 2025, where it first appeared.