Desmond Howard

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

A return specialist for most of his career, Howard holds the NFL single season record for punt return yardage, which he set with the Packers in 1996. That same season, Howard was named Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XXXI after returning a kickoff for a 99-yard touchdown, the longest return in Super Bowl history at the time. He is the only special teams player to win the award. Howard also received a first-team All-Pro selection in 1996 and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2000 with the Lions. Since 2005, he has served as an analyst on ESPN College Gameday. He was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

In Their Own Story

The roar of the Superdome faded into a singular focus as Desmond Howard caught the snap. The ball spiraled through the cool night air, untouched by defenders. He broke free near his own goal line, shoulders squared against the inevitable collision. Green and Gold surged forward in unison. It was not just a play; it was destiny unfolding on the biggest stage.

Reader's Guide

Howard played one season for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1995, having been selected in the 1995 NFL expansion draft. His most notable professional season was in 1996 for the Green Bay Packers. He led the NFL in punt returns (58), punt return yards (875), punt return average (15.1), and punt return touchdowns (3), while gaining 460 kickoff return yards and catching 13 passes for 95 yards. His 875 punt return yards were an NFL record. During the 1996 NFL postseason, Howard had a punt return for a touchdown in a game between the Packers and the San Francisco 49ers, and a 46-yard punt return that set up another score. In Super Bowl XXXI, Howard totaled a Super Bowl record 90 punt return yards and 154 kickoff return yards with one touchdown; his 244 all-purpose yards also tied a Super Bowl record. His kickoff return touchdown in the Super Bowl ended up being the only one of his career. Howard became a free agent after the season and signed with the Oakland Raiders.

Did You Know?

• Howard holds the NFL single season record for punt return yardage, set with the Packers in 1996.
• He is the only special teams player to win Super Bowl MVP.
• Howard's 99-yard kickoff return in Super Bowl XXXI was the longest return in Super Bowl history at the time.
• He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010.