Desmond Howard is a legendary name in American football whose name still resonates with fans decades after his NFL days. From winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy to redefining kickoff returns in the NFL and transitioning into a successful broadcasting career, Howard’s journey is inspirational. This comprehensive article delves into his salary, position, children (including his sons and twins), net worth, and who he truly is.
Who Is Desmond Howard?
Desmond Kevin Howard (born May 15, 1970) is a former American football wide receiver and kickoff return specialist who became one of the most exciting players in NCAA and NFL history. He gained national fame playing college football for the University of Michigan, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1991—an honor awarded to the country’s most outstanding collegiate player.
Howard was drafted fourth overall in the 1992 NFL Draft and played for teams including the Washington Redskins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Green Bay Packers, Oakland Raiders, and Detroit Lions. He earned Super Bowl XXXI MVP honors, becoming the only special teams player in NFL history to win the award.
After retiring from professional football, Howard transitioned into a media career. He now serves as a college football analyst for ESPN, frequently appearing on shows like College GameDay.
Position: Football & Broadcasting
NFL Playing Position
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Wide Receiver & Return Specialist — Known for electrifying punt and kickoff returns.
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Played primarily as a special teams star but also contributed as a receiver throughout his career.
Post-NFL Role
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Football Analyst at ESPN — Howard is widely recognized for his work on ESPN’s college football broadcasts, where his expert commentary continues to influence fans and analysts alike.
Desmond Howard Salary
Estimating the exact salary of Desmond Howard involves different phases of his career:
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NFL Salary (Past): During his professional playing days, Howard reportedly earned substantial income from multiple NFL contracts over about 11 seasons. Some estimates suggest total career earnings from the NFL could be in the millions.
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Broadcasting Salary: As an ESPN analyst, Howard earns a yearly salary for his on-air work. Estimates vary, with reports ranging around $100,000 to several million dollars annually depending on roles and appearances.
Note that specific current figures can vary year to year based on contract updates and media roles.
Net Worth: How Rich Is Desmond Howard?
Desmond Howard’s estimated net worth as of 2025 is approximately $14 million. This wealth comes from:
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His NFL career earnings,
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Long-running involvement in sports broadcasting, and
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Appearances, endorsements, and related media deals.
His status as a beloved football figure—both in college and the NFL—continues to help maintain his financial success well after retirement from professional play.
Family Life: Sons & Twins
Marriage
Desmond Howard is married to Rebkah Howard, a licensed attorney and marketing executive. They are known for maintaining a private but happy family life, often away from the typical public spotlight.
Children
The couple has three children:
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Desmond Howard Jr. (son)
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Dhamir Howard (son)
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Sydney Howard (daughter)
Multiple sources report that Howard’s sons, Desmond Jr. and Dhamir, are twins, though detailed public information about their personal lives is limited to respect privacy.
Desmond Howard is often celebrated for balancing his professional obligations with a strong focus on family.
Legacy & Impact
Desmond Howard’s legacy goes far beyond stats. His influence on special teams play, capped by a historic Super Bowl performance, has cemented his place in American football lore. In broadcasting, he continues to shape how fans understand and enjoy college football each season.
