Eight Man Football Coaches Association 2019 Hall of Fame Inductee-John Howell -Mullen High School

We spotlight our 5th player to be inducted into the Eight Man Coaches Football Association Hall of Fame, Mr. John Howell of Mullen High.

More on John below his bio.

JOHN HOWELL – MULLEN HIGH SCHOOL

From 1992 to 1995, John was an outstanding athlete for Hall of Fame Coach Mike Brown. He played quarterback, was a ball-hawking safety, and also a state champion wrestler during his time as a Bronco. In his prep career, John led his team to the playoffs 4 times, including the 1995 state semi-finals. He was a 1st Team All-Conference selection 3 times and a 1st Team All-State honoree on 2 occasions. He was then selected to play in both the 1996 Eight Man All-Star Game and the Western Nebraska All-Star Game. John later walked on at Colorado State University, where he started as a defensive back for 3 seasons. As a senior, he led the Rams in tackles and was honored as a 2-time All-Mountain West 1st team selection. He finished his college career with 233 tackles, 9 sacks, and 3 interceptions and also led CSU to a victory in the Mountain West Conference Championship. John was then drafted by Tampa Bay, and played 6 NFL seasons. He was a key contributor on special teams and defense in helping the Buccaneers win Super Bowl XXXVII (37) and the 2002 World Championship. The NEMFCA is honored to welcome him into the Eight Man Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019.

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John Howell is the third member of the 2019 NEMFCA Hall of Fame class that played professional football in the NFL. Sometimes Howell’s name gets lost in the shuffle when conversations are started about 8-Man football in the early to mid 90’s but anyone that knows the game of 8-Man football knows how talented John Howell was and it certainly did not stop after Mullen high school.

As a senior, John Howell was an all-state DB in an overly crowded, talent laden, junior class that dominated the Class D-1 All-State team, especially on offense. Names like Matt Ickes from Orchard, Cory Eikmeier from Dodge, Joel DeBauche-Anselmo-Merna and John’s teammate, RB Aaron Simonson.

Of all the success stories I’ve heard over the years, that of John Howell always sticks in my mind. From Nebraska, Mike Brown/8-Man football, to walk-on at Colorado State University, to an NFL career that included a Super Bowl appearance.

And you know the key name in all this? Coach Mike Brown, retired Mullen super coach and a member of out very first NEMFCA Hall of Fame.

I would also like to add there is further proof Mr. Howell was a far above average, outstanding athlet because there are bloodlines that have been passed on to daughter named Jaelin Howell, who just happens to be one of 2018 National Champion Florida State’s best soccer players….as a Freshman.

In her first season for the Seminoles, Jaelin seemingly had an accolades list as long as her Dad’s at Colorado State. Keep an eye on this young lady because Jaelin Howell has All-American status written all over her.

Oh, and by the way both John Howell and daughter Jaelin Howell have their own Wikipedia pages. Tell me how many Father/Daughter combinations you know that can boast that kind of fame.