John Howell (defensive back)


John Thomas Howell is a former American football safety in the National Football League. He played professionally for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks.

Early life

Howell was born in North Platte, Nebraska, and attended Mullen High School in Mullen, Nebraska. He was a letterman in American football, wrestling, track and field, and golf. In football, he was a two-time first team All-Conference honoree, and as a senior, he was an All-State honorable mention selection. In wrestling, he was a state runner-up as a junior and as a senior, won the Nebraska State Championship.

College

Howell played college football at Colorado State University, and attended the university on a football scholarship.

Professional career

Howell was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, including Super Bowl XXXVII in 2002. Howell signed with the Seattle Seahawks for the 2006 season. He suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in the 2006 Seahawks' playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys and was waived shortly thereafter.

Personal life

Howell lives in Colorado with his wife, Laura, and their three children. His daughter Jaelin Howell is a soccer player.
Howell is an avid hunter. He is active with organizations such as Safari Club International, the Dallas Safari Club, and the National Rifle Association. In 2007, he co-founded Dismal River Outfitters, a hunting ranch and resort in Mullen, Nebraska, with his former Buccaneer and Seahawk teammate, Joe Jurevicius.