Introduction
Patrick Gerrard Howell (born March 12, 1957) is a former American college and professional football player who was an offensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons during the late 1970s and 1980s. Howell played college football at the University of Southern California, and was recognized as a unanimous All-American. A second-round pick in the 1979 NFL Draft, he played professionally for the Atlanta Falcons and Houston Oilers of the NFL.
Early life
Howell was born in Fresno, California. He was a Parade magazine high school All-American for Fresno High School football team in 1974, and Central California Valley discus throw champion in track and field.
College career
Howell attended the University of Southern California, where he played for the USC Trojans football team. As a senior in 1978, he received unanimous All-American honors.
Professional career
The Houston Oilers chose Howell in the second round (forty-ninth pick overall) of the 1979 NFL Draft, and he played for the Oilers from 1979 to 1983, and Atlanta Falcons between 1983 and 1985.
Football family
His son, Nick Howell, was an offensive lineman for the USC Trojans, after playing football at Bullard High School in Fresno, California.