Early Life & Football Career
Desmond Howard — full name Desmond Kevin Howard — was born on May 15, 1970, in Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
He attended St. Joseph High School in Cleveland where he excelled in football, basketball, and track.
He then played college football at Michigan Wolverines (1988–1991), where he became one of the most decorated college players — in 1991 he won the Heisman Trophy along with several other major collegiate awards.
In 1992 he entered the National Football League (NFL), drafted 4th overall by the Washington Redskins.
Over his NFL career, he played for multiple teams including the Green Bay Packers, earning fame as a standout return specialist and as a wide receiver.
His crowning NFL moment came in Super Bowl XXXI, when he was named Super Bowl MVP — returning a kickoff for a 99-yard touchdown, the longest such return in Super Bowl history at the time.
After retiring from professional play, Howard transitioned to broadcasting. He now works as a college football analyst for ESPN, often appearing on their flagship show College GameDay among other programs.
Position(s)
-
Primary position (playing career): Wide Receiver / Return Specialist (Kick returns, Punt returns)
-
Current role: College Football Analyst / Broadcaster at ESPN and other media networks.
Net Worth & Salary
-
As of 2025 (and recent estimates), Howard’s net worth is widely cited as ≈ US$ 14 million.
-
Regarding salary: some sources list his analyst income at ~ US$ 100,000 per year.
-
Other reports, less consistent, suggest different figures — some mention up to US$ 3 million per year.
-
In sum: his wealth reflects a combination of his successful NFL career, broadcasting roles, and post-career business ventures/endorsements.
Note: Estimates vary, and public data about exact contracts or incomes during his peak NFL years is incomplete.
Family & Personal Life
-
Howard is married to Rebkah Howard.
-
The couple resides in Miami, Florida.
-
They have three children: two sons and one daughter — Desmond Howard Jr. and Dhamir Howard (sons), and Sydney Howard (daughter).
On the Twins
It’s frequently mentioned that Howard’s two sons are twins — i.e., Desmond Jr. and Dhamir are twin brothers.
At a family-honour event when Howard was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, both twin sons appeared on their father’s shoulders along with other family members.
According to that report, at that time the twins were about 5 years old.
Legacy & Impact
Desmond Howard’s legacy goes beyond statistics. As a rare special-teams player to win both the Heisman Trophy and a Super Bowl MVP, he stands among a unique group of elite athletes.
Post-career, his shift to broadcasting brings his insight and charisma to new generations of football fans — in many ways extending his influence beyond his playing days.
On a personal level, his family — including his twin sons — has been visible in moments of honour, underlining his commitment to family alongside fame and success.
Closing Thoughts
Desmond Howard’s journey — from star college athlete to NFL success, to media figure and family man — is a testament to adaptability and longevity. With an estimated net worth of US$ 14 million (2025), a stable career off the field, and a loving family (including twin sons), he remains a respected name in American football history. His story resonates not just for athletic brilliance, but for balancing fame, legacy, and personal life with grace
