Desmond Howard is a former American football player who played as a wide receiver and return specialist. He was born on May 15, 1970, in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up in the Detroit area. Howard attended the University of Michigan, where he played college football for the Wolverines from 1989 to 1991.

During his college career, Howard was a standout player and won the Heisman Trophy in 1991, which is awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football. He also helped lead the Wolverines to a national championship in 1991.

After his college career, Howard was selected by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played for the Redskins for two seasons before being traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1995. Howard played for the Jaguars for one season before being released and signing with the Green Bay Packers in 1996.

Howard's time with the Packers was the most successful of his NFL career. He played for the team from 1996 to 1999 and helped lead them to a victory in Super Bowl XXXI, where he was named the game's Most Valuable Player. Howard's performance in the Super Bowl was highlighted by a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, which remains a Super Bowl record.

After his time with the Packers, Howard played for several other NFL teams, including the Oakland Raiders, the Detroit Lions, and the Carolina Panthers. He retired from the NFL in 2002 after playing for 11 seasons.

Throughout his NFL career, Howard was known for his speed and agility as a return specialist. He holds several NFL records for punt and kickoff returns, including the most punt return yards in a single season and the most punt return touchdowns in a career.

After retiring from football, Howard worked as a football analyst for ESPN and other media outlets. He also wrote a book about his experiences playing football, titled "Desmond Howard's Championship Seasons."

In addition to his football career, Howard has been involved in several philanthropic and community service initiatives. He has worked with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the United Way, and has been recognized for his contributions to these causes.

Overall, Desmond Howard had a successful football career, highlighted by his time with the Green Bay Packers and his record-setting performances as a return specialist. He has continued to be involved in the football world as an analyst and has made significant contributions to charitable causes.

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