Dana Howard’s journey to the College Football Hall of Fame is a testament to his remarkable career both on and off the field.
A tackling machine during his time at Illinois, Howard made history by becoming the first player in school history to win a major national award, the 1994 Butkus Award, which recognized him as the best linebacker in the nation. His impact on the field has left an indelible mark in the world of college football.
After his successful college career, Howard was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round but found a more notable stint with the St. Louis Rams and the Chicago Bears. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2018 further solidifies his legacy as one of the greatest players in Illinois history. His achievements have earned him a prominent place in the Hall of Fame.
Today, Dana Howard remains an influential figure off the field, owning a construction company in the St. Louis Metro East area. His journey from a standout college player to a successful entrepreneur underscores not just his athletic prowess, but also his determination and versatility.
Who Is Dana Howard?
Dana Howard, an outstanding linebacker, is known for his impressive football career. He played for the University of Illinois and made history with several awards. His contributions to the sport have earned him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame.
Where Did Dana Howard Grow Up?
Dana Howard was born on February 27, 1972, in East St. Louis, Illinois. He attended East St. Louis High School, where he began building his football career.
His talent on the field was evident from an early age, and he quickly became a standout player. East St. Louis is known for its strong football culture, and Howard’s early experiences there shaped his future success.
Where Does Dana Howard Live?
Dana Howard currently resides in the state of Illinois. After his career in the NFL, he chose to stay close to his roots.
Living in Illinois allows him to remain connected to the football community and his alma mater. He frequently participates in local events and continues to inspire young athletes in the region.
Who Is Dana Howard Married To?
Dana Howard is married, but details about his spouse are kept private. He values his family’s privacy and focuses on maintaining a low profile.
Howard’s family life is separate from his public persona, and he prefers to keep it that way. His dedication to privacy shows his commitment to balancing his public and private lives.
Does Dana Howard Have Children?
Dana Howard has children, though details about them are also kept private. He is a dedicated father who emphasizes the importance of family.
Howard’s role as a parent is crucial to him, and he enjoys spending time with his children. He instills values of hard work, discipline, and commitment, much like he demonstrated in his football career.
Dana Howard College Football Career
Dana Howard had a stellar college football career marked by significant accomplishments and impressive stats. He played at a high level throughout his time at the University of Illinois, earning numerous awards and leading his team to several bowl games.
Where Did Dana Howard Play College Football?
Dana Howard played college football at the University of Illinois. As a linebacker for the Fighting Illini, he made a name for himself with his outstanding defensive skills.
Howard was known for his tackling prowess, and he led his team in tackles every season he played. His career tackles total 595, which was a Big Ten record when he graduated. He also played a key role in helping Illinois secure multiple bowl berths during his time there.
Did Dana Howard Coach College Football?
After his playing career, there is no verifiable information indicating that Dana Howard pursued a career in coaching college football. Instead, he transitioned to other ventures, including owning a construction company in the St. Louis Metro East area.
His impact on the field, however, remains significant, and his defensive skills continue to be remembered by fans and analysts alike.
What Awards Did Dana Howard Accomplish In College Football?
Dana Howard achieved numerous awards while playing at the University of Illinois. He won the prestigious Butkus Award in 1994, an honor given to the nation’s best linebacker.
Howard was a two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and he earned All-American status multiple times. He remains Illinois’ all-time leading tackler and was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2018, highlighting his exceptional college career.
What Bowl Games Did Dana Howard Win In College Football?
Howard’s efforts on the field helped lead Illinois to several bowl games. Most notably, he played a pivotal role in the team’s shutout victory over East Carolina in the 1994 Liberty Bowl.
His leadership and defensive skills were crucial in securing these wins, and his performances in these games are still remembered as some of the best in Illinois football history.
Dana Howard Professional Football Career
Dana Howard’s professional football career included playing in the NFL and earning notable awards. His career spanned multiple teams, and he left a mark with his performance on the field.
Did Dana Howard Play In The NFL?
Dana Howard played in the NFL for the St. Louis Rams and the Chicago Bears. Selected in the 1995 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round, his NFL journey began with a brief stint with the Rams in 1995. Subsequently, he joined the Bears in 1996.
While his time in the NFL wasn’t as lengthy as many of his peers, Howard’s presence on these teams highlighted his skills as a linebacker. His performances continued to reflect his college football prowess.
Did Dana Howard Coach In The NFL?
Dana Howard did not transition to a coaching role in the NFL after his playing career ended. It is common for players to consider coaching, but in Howard’s case, he chose a different path.
Post-retirement, he did not step into coaching ranks in any capacity, whether as an assistant or head coach. Howard’s career post-NFL took a different direction away from the professional football scene, focusing on personal business ventures.
What Awards Did Dana Howard Accomplish In Professional Football?
While Dana Howard’s professional football career did not feature numerous accolades, he did make significant impacts that earned recognition. Notably, Howard’s college accolades indicated his transition to the pros.
His awards in professional football were limited compared to his college achievements, including being a two-time First Team All-American and winning the 1994 Butkus Award. These honors cemented his reputation as a capable and skilled linebacker, even though his professional awards did not match his collegiate fame.
Did Dana Howard Win A Super Bowl?
Dana Howard did not win a Super Bowl during his NFL career. His time with the St. Louis Rams and the Chicago Bears did not include participation in the league’s most prestigious game.
Super Bowl victories are often seen as a pinnacle of a player’s career, but in Howard’s case, his professional journey did not culminate in such an achievement. Despite this, Howard’s contributions to his teams remained valuable during his tenure.
What Is Dana Howard Up To Now?
Dana Howard, a former football linebacker, has remained active in various fields beyond his football career. His involvement extends to the business world, private speaking, and more.
Is Dana Howard Still Involved In Football?
While Dana Howard does not coach professional or college football, he has not entirely stepped away from the sport.
He frequently participates in events related to the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame, where he shares his experiences and insights. Additionally, Howard remains a prominent figure at Illinois Fighting Illini alumni events, helping to promote the university’s football program. These engagements keep him involved in the sport, though not in an official coaching capacity.
Does Dana Howard Do Private Speaking Engagements?
Dana Howard is an active public speaker. He often speaks at sports banquets, educational institutions, and business conferences.
His presentations typically focus on leadership, teamwork, and overcoming adversity—qualities he exemplified during his football career. Howard’s speeches are well-received, making him a sought-after speaker for various events. Additionally, he is affiliated with Zoie LLC DBA Dana Howard Construction Co, which may also host events where he speaks.
Does Dana Howard Have A Podcast?
Currently, Dana Howard does not host his own podcast. However, he has appeared as a guest on several sports podcasts and shows.
These appearances allow him to share his extensive knowledge of football and his personal journey. Fans of Howard appreciate these guest spots, as they get to hear firsthand stories and insights from his illustrious career.
Has Dana Howard Gone Into Broadcasting?
Dana Howard has not pursued a career in sports broadcasting. While his expertise and experience would make him an excellent analyst, he has focused more on his business ventures and public speaking.
This choice allows him to balance his professional commitments and family life while still remaining connected to the sport he loves.
What is Dana Howard Net Worth?
Dana Howard, known for his outstanding college football career at the University of Illinois, has made a significant impact both on and off the field. He played in the NFL for teams like the St. Louis Rams and the Chicago Bears.
Estimating Dana Howard’s net worth can be challenging as precise figures are not publicly available. Typically, former NFL players’ net worth can come from various sources, including salary, endorsements, and post-retirement careers.
NFL Salary:
During his NFL career, Howard played for several seasons, which likely provided him with a substantial earnings base. Although exact figures from his playing days are not public, an NFL player’s average salary during the mid-90s ranged from $200,000 to $500,000 annually.
Endorsements and Investments:
Like many athletes, Howard may have had endorsement deals. These deals can vary greatly but often add a significant amount to a player’s income. Moreover, wise investment choices post-retirement could further increase his net worth.
Hall of Fame Induction:
Dana Howard’s induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2018 also enhances his public profile, potentially leading to new opportunities and financial gains.
