Emlen Tunnell on Billy Howton: "The toughest pass receiver to cover in the National League."

Billy Howton, a pioneering wide receiver and one of the NFL's earliest stars, has passed away at the age of 95, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in professional football.

Why it matters: Howton’s contributions to the game extend beyond his impressive statistics; he was a trailblazer during an era that laid the foundation for modern offensive systems.

• He not only set numerous records as a player but also played a pivotal role in the formation of the NFL Players Association, advocating for players' rights at a crucial time in league history.

What’s new: The passing of Howton marks the end of an era, as he was believed to be the oldest living former NFL player at the time of his death.

• Born in Littlefield, Texas, in 1930, Howton's career spanned nearly a decade in a league that was still finding its identity.

By the numbers: Over his illustrious career, Howton achieved significant milestones that speak to his talent and tenacity:

• He recorded the first 1,000-yard receiving season by a rookie, amassing 1,231 yards in 1952.
• Howton led the league in receiving yards twice and was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, reflecting his status among the elite wide receivers of his time.

Zoom In: One standout performance solidified his place in Packers lore—his record-setting 257 receiving yards in a single game against the Los Angeles Rams in 1956 remains a franchise benchmark.

• This achievement highlights Howton's ability to dominate defenses, a skill acknowledged by contemporaries like Emlen Tunnell, who described him as "the toughest pass receiver to cover in the National League."

Between the lines: Beyond his individual accolades, Howton's impact on the teams he played for was profound.

• With the Green Bay Packers, he scored the team's first receiving touchdown at Lambeau Field in 1957, etching his name into the annals of NFL history.

The bottom line: Inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 1974, Howton's legacy is preserved not just in the records he set, but in the respect he earned from peers and fans alike.

• As the league continues to evolve, the contributions of pioneers like Howton remind us of the foundations upon which today's game is built. His passing is a poignant reminder of the rich history that defines the NFL.