September 29, 1957: The Packers overthrew the Bears 21-17 that Sunday. But the triumph had already started taking shape when concrete was poured into the City Stadium (later named the Lambeau Field) in February; Green Bay’s team had arrived there three weeks ago and made up their minds for a big win. In fact, the team was on the way to another touchdown when the gun ended the fierce battle, setting off a wild combination of joy and tears from the 32,132 fans present. And one of the most significant aspects of the game was when the Packers’ receiver, Billy Howton, caught the first touchdown pass at Lambeau Field.

It was a 37-yard completion from QB Babe Parilli. And akin to his nickname ‘Red Fox’, Howton was elusive, quick, and smart—something that fans witnessed until his retirement post the 1963 season. However, as per reports, Howton died on Monday in his home state of Texas. He was 95 and the oldest living NFL player.

NFLPA announced the news on X, stating: “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.” Howton was one of the most productive WRs of the pre-Super Bowl era. He was also the founder and president of the NFL Players Association.

But long before his football career started, Howton excelled in a different sport. Born in Littlefield, Texas, he graduated from Plainview High School in 1948 and received a track and field scholarship from Rice University. But when he Houston, Rice University recognized his football talents and recruited him to their team, and that’s how his football career began. And in 1952, he made two important decisions: First, he married Sandra Bourgoin, his college sweetheart (they got divorced in 1973, and Bourgoin died in 1999). Second, he signed the contract with Green Bay.

With the Packers, he set several records—some of which stand today as well. He played for the team for seven seasons before moving on to the Cleveland Browns and then the Dallas Cowboys.

Much later in his life, he met Carmen Fanlo of Madrid during a trip to Europe. He moved to Spain in 1989 and lived with Fanlo until her passing in 2019. Howton returned to Houston afterwards, where he spent his final years. He is survived by his sister Sylvia, three children, and extended family.

Green Bay recalls Billy Howton’s greatness

“RIP Billy Howton🙏🏻🕯️ #Packers Legend. End, 1952-63 Packers, #Browns, #Cowboys. At 95, he was believed to have been the oldest living NFL player,” one fan posted, rattling off the numbers like they were sacred scripture. That same post reminded everyone he retired as the league’s all-time leader in catches and yards, held the Packers’ single-game record (257 receiving yards on just seven catches on Oct. 21, 1956), and was the first NFL rookie to cross the 1,000-yard mark.

“Rest in peace, Billy Howton. I have always felt that Howton deserved more PFHOF consideration—a great player in his era 🙏,” another fan wrote, echoing a sentiment shared by NFL great Emlen Tunnell, who once called him “the toughest pass receiver to cover in the National League.” Regardless, the WR is a part of the Packers’ Hall of Fame (1974) and also Rice University (1971).

“It’s a shame Howton didn’t receive more Pro Football Hall of Fame consideration for his on-field accomplishments,” a third fan said. “His career efforts were among the best at his position for when he played.” The frustration is familiar. Another added that now that he’s passed, induction might finally come, a bittersweet thought for those who believe he should have been honored while he could appreciate it. Others wrote:

• “We as a society need to recognize Billy Howton as one of the Packers elite WRs.”
• “Hall of Fame has failed many people and I can’t tell is receivers are the ones most affected.”

In Green Bay, his name will always carry weight. His era may have passed decades ago, but the image of the ‘Red Fox’ slipping past defenders remains frozen in time. For a city built on football memories, that’s more than enough to keep him alive.