The special teams player who rewrote the Super Bowl record books
In short: In 1996, Desmond Howard achieved something unprecedented: winning Super Bowl XXXI MVP as a special teams specialist. While most MVPs are quarterbacks or running backs, Howard’s explosive returns turned the tide of the game, cementing his legacy as one of the most electrifying returners in NFL history.
Desmond Howard's professional career was defined by his ability to manipulate space as a return specialist. During his 1996 season with the Green Bay Packers, he set an NFL single-season record for punt return yardage with 875 yards, surpassing the previous mark of 692 yards held by Fulton Walker since 1985. His dominance that year was comprehensive; he led the league in punt returns, punt return average, and punt return touchdowns. His efficiency was equally remarkable, as he averaged over 15 yards per punt return during that campaign. This prolific season helped him earn a first-team All-Pro selection.
The pinnacle of his career arrived during Super Bowl XXXI against the New England Patriots. Facing a surging New England offense, Howard effectively neutralized the Patriots' momentum with a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. This play, along with his 90 punt return yards and 154 kickoff return yards, earned him the Super Bowl MVP award. To this day, he remains the only special teams player to win the honor. His 244 all-purpose yards during the game also tied a Super Bowl record. This performance helped the Packers secure a 35-20 victory.
Beyond the NFL, Howard's collegiate years at the University of Michigan were equally historic. In 1991, he won the Heisman Trophy with 85 percent of the first-place votes, the largest margin recorded at that time. His versatility was unmatched, as he led the nation in receiving touchdowns while also contributing significantly to rushing and special teams totals. This era of dominance led to his jersey, number 21, being officially retired by Michigan in 2015. Before his professional success, he was a standout at St. Joseph High School in Cleveland. He was also a multi-sport athlete, earning varsity letters in basketball and track.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Desmond Howard
- Also: Wikidata — Desmond Howard · CC0
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