Legendary Packers receiver Billy Howton, who still holds several receiving records with the franchise, [recently passed away at the age of 95](http://Green Bay Packers,Packers,Packers defense,Packers offense,Packers football,Packers offseason,Matt LaFleur,Jeff Hafley Aaron Rodgers,Aaron Jones,Packers news,NFL,NFL football,Packers chat,Mark Murphy,Titletown,Titletown District,Preston Smith,AJ Dillon,Josh Myers,Carry the G,Kingsley Enegbare,Luke Musgrave,Josh Jacobs,Christian Watson,Jayden Reed,Edgrrin Cooper,Quay Walker). He was believed to be the oldest living former NFL player.
The Packers made him the 15th overall pick in the 1952 draft, and Howton went on to become the first rookie with more than 1,000 yards receiving in a single season. He led the NFL in receiving twice and still holds Green Bay’s record for single-game receiving yards when he had 257 in a 1956 game against the Los Angeles Rams. He also caught the first touchdown pass at Lambeau Field. When he retired from the NFL in 1963, Howton was the NFL’s all-time leader in career receptions and receiving yards.
Howton also represented the Packers at the first NFLPA meeting in 1956. He was instrumental in the formation of the player pension fund and several other player benefits.
Raymond Berry, a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer in 1973 who broke many of Howton's league records, was vocal in his belief that Howton should also be in the Hall. "I'll tell you a guy who is overlooked is Billy Howton," Berry said. "He was extremely professional in his pass routes. He knew what he was doing to maneuver and fake to get open. He would be effective going inside, going outside, effective going deep. He was an extremely dangerous receiver and had great technique."
Howton is survived by his three children, Karin, Kimberly and William.