Today, Desmond Howard sits comfortably as a respected college football analyst. But before offering sharp insights from behind a desk, he was dazzling fans on the field with electric plays and record-breaking performances.
Howard spent 11 seasons in the NFL and suited up for five different franchises after a dominant college career at the University of Michigan. Here’s a look back at his path from Heisman glory to the analyst chair.
Revisiting Desmond Howard’s College Football Career
Howard played for the Michigan Wolverines from 1989 to 1991, locking in a full three-year run during a time when transferring was a rarity in college football.
The game was different back then, and wide receivers weren’t as statistically dominant as they are today. Yet Howard still managed to stand out. Over his collegiate career, he racked up 1,944 receiving yards and 30 touchdowns. He led the Big Ten in both receiving yards and touchdown receptions in 1990 and 1991.
In 1991, Howard hauled in 61 receptions — the most in the conference — and also added two rushing touchdowns that season. His overall production and versatility earned him the Heisman Trophy in 1991, cementing his legacy in Michigan lore.
Following that historic season, Howard entered the NFL with sky-high expectations.
Washington Drafts Heisman Trophy Winner
Howard was selected fourth overall in the 1992 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins (now known as the Washington Commanders), a clear signal of the high regard in which the league held him.
However, his NFL journey didn’t follow the smooth trajectory many had envisioned. In his first two seasons, he managed just 306 receiving yards across 32 games. His third year showed promise with 727 yards and five touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to secure his future in Washington, and the team moved on after the 1994 season.
Howard landed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1995, marking the beginning of his journeyman phase. From 1995 to 2001, he would play for four different teams, including two stints with the Green Bay Packers (1996 and 1999).
One of the highlights of his NFL tenure came with the Packers during Super Bowl XXXI, where he delivered a legendary performance as a return specialist — earning Super Bowl MVP honors, a rare feat for a non-quarterback and the only special teams player to ever win it.
Howard’s professional career concluded with the Detroit Lions, where he played in 2000 and 2001. He finished with 1,597 receiving yards, seven touchdowns, and 123 receptions — modest numbers as a wide receiver, but his impact on special teams, particularly as a returner, made him unforgettable.
A New Chapter: Howard the Analyst
Today, Howard is a familiar face on ESPN’s College GameDay while contributing to shows and platforms like GetUp, SportsCenter, and College Football Live. Since joining ESPN as a college football analyst in 2005, Howard has brought firsthand experience, a championship pedigree, and deep football knowledge to his analysis.