52. Billy Howton

You would think that the one-time All-Time Leader in NFL receptions would have at least been a finalist for the Hall of Fame. Of course, Billy Howton was the all-time leader when he retired in 1963. He has dropped considerably since then.

Billy Howton was one of the top receivers for the Green Bay Packers throughout the 1950s. He was a constant fixture for years in every receiving category, and when he became the all-time leader in receptions and yards, he took that slot from the legendary Don Hutson.

A huge force works against him as he was cast off from the Green Bay Packers when the most iconic figure in professional football, Vince Lombardi, arrived in the tundra. Many speculated that if he wasn’t good enough for Lombardi, he couldn’t possibly be good enough for Canton. That is a very powerful argument. While we acknowledge that fact, Howton helped lay the groundwork for today's modern Wide Receivers, and that also can't be dismissed.

Should Billy Howton be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 82.2%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 8.9%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 3%

No opinion. - 2%

No way! - 2%

The Bullet Points

Country of Origin: Littlefield, Texas, U.S.A.
Eligible Since: Wednesday, 01 January 1969
Position: Wide Receiver
Games Played: 142
Notable Statistics: 132 Games Started
503 Receptions
8,459 Receiving Yards
61 Receiving Touchdowns
5 Rushing Attempts
29 Rushing Yards
26 Approximate Value*

No Playoff Games

*Approximate Value was calculated by Pro Football Reference as of the 1960 Season.
Played For: Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers
College: Rice
Drafted: 2nd Round, 15th Pick in 1952
Major Accolades and Awards: First Team All-Pro Selection (2) (1956 & 1957)
Second Team All-Pro Selection (1) (1952)
Pro Bowl Selection (5) (1952, 1955, 1956 & 1957)
Most Receiving Yards (2) (1952 & 1956)
Most Receiving Touchdowns (1) (1956)
Most Receiving Yards per Game (2) (1952 & 1956)
Most Yards From Scrimmage (1) (1952)
Other Points of Note: Top Ten Finishes: Receptions (8) (1952, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959 & 1961)
Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Yards (5) (1952, 1954, 1955, 1956 & 1957)
Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Touchdowns (3) (1952, 1956 & 1957)
Top Ten Finishes: Yards per Reception (5) (1952, 1953, 1955, 1956 & 1957)
Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Yards per Game (5) (1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956 & 1957)
Top Ten Finishes: Touchdowns (2) (1952 & 1956)
Top Ten Finishes: Points Scored (2) (1952 & 1956)
Top Ten Finishes: Yards From Scrimmage (2) (1952 & 1956)
Top Ten Finishes: All-Purpose Yards: (2) (1952 & 1956)
Notable All Time Rankings: 64. Yards per Reception: 16.8
91.   Receiving Yards per Game: 59.6
92.   Receiving Touchdowns: 61
99.   Receiving Yards: 8,459
Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: None.