The Green Bay Packers are learning of some devastating news ahead of their first pre-season game of the 2025 season.  Just hours before their team is set to take the field, the organization as a whole is suddenly in mourning.

“This Is Truly Heartbreaking” Packers Star Passes Away Hours Before First Pre-Season Game (Breaking)

It was reported on Friday that Billy Howton passed away earlier this week on August 4 at his home in Houston, Texas. He was 95 years old:

It is one of the greater tragedies and injustices that Hall of Fame voters did not see it fit to vote Howton into Canton before his death. Not only was he the NFL’s all-time leading receiver at the time of his retirement in 1963, but he was also the first ever President of the NFL Player Association.

A second round pick by the Packers in 1952, Howton’s rookie season remains the best ever in franchise history for a rookie wide receiver. That year, he had 53 receptions, 1,231 yards, and 13 touchdowns. He was named to the first of four career Pro Bowls and was Second Team All-Pro that year.

Howton made the Pro Bowl again in each season from 1955-1957, and eclipsed 1,000 yards in a season again in 1956 when he had 56 receptions for 1,122 yards and 12 touchdowns (which also led the league). He was named a First Team All-Pro that year and in 1957 as well.

After seven seasons in Green Bay, Howton played one year for the Cleveland Browns and then four for the Dallas Cowboys. He was a member of their inaugural team, playing close to his home in Texas.

At the time of his retirement, Howton had broken Don Hutson’s all-time receiving yards record with 8,459. He also had 61 career touchdowns.

He is the man responsible for current NFL players having a retirement pension plan, as he delivered an ultimatum to the owners in 1959 that if they did not establish one, the NFLPA would file suit against them.