Drafted in the second round (21st overall) of the 1952 NFL Draft out of Rice University, Billy Howton exploded onto the professional football scene and delivered one of the most remarkable rookie campaigns in NFL history. Stepping into Green Bay's offense as an immediate deep threat, the swift end grabbed 53 receptions and led the NFL with 1,231 receiving yards and 13 touchdown catches—setting a Packers rookie receiving-yardage record that still stands today, nearly three-quarters of a century later.

Howton remained one of pro football's most feared perimeter weapons throughout the 1950s, serving as Green Bay's primary offensive engine during a challenging decade for the franchise. He earned four total Pro Bowl selections in Titletown (1952, 1955, 1956, 1957) and reached his apex in 1956. That season, Howton achieved the rare receiving "triple crown" feat for Green Bay, leading the NFL in both receiving yards (1,188) and touchdown receptions (12) while earning First-Team AP All-Pro honors alongside a second consecutive First-Team selection in 1957.

After seven stellar seasons in Wisconsin, Howton was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 1959 before becoming an integral veteran leader for the expansion Dallas Cowboys from 1960 through 1963. When he retired at age 33, Howton held the NFL's all-time career records for both receptions (503) and receiving yards (8,459), surpassing legendary Hall of Famer Don Hutson's previous historical marks.

Off the field, Howton played a major role in league history as a key organizer and the founding president of the NFL Players Association in 1956, fighting for player benefits, medical care, and minimum salaries during the sport's formative era. In 1974, the Green Bay Packers formally honored his historic statistical legacy and pioneering leadership by inducting him into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.