Robert Michael Howfield (born 3 December 1936) is an English former professional sportsman who played both association football and American football.^[1]

Early and personal life

Howfield was born in Watford. His son Ian Howfield kicked for the Houston Oilers in 1991.

Career

Association football

Howfield played as a forward, known for his volatility.^[1] Howfield began his association football career with local side Bushey F.C., before signing amateur terms with Millwall in May 1957.^[1] He became a professional with Watford in September 1957, playing for the club until July 1959, when he moved to Crewe Alexandra.^[1] In October 1959, however, he moved to Aldershot, where his 23 league goals in the 1961–62 season were a club record for a number of years.^[1] He played for the club until July 1962 when he returned to Watford for a "substantial fee".^[1]

Howfield moved to Fulham in November 1965 for £6000, having made 101 appearances and scored 25 goals in his two spells with the club.^[1] He scored three goals for Fulham in the last ten goal performance by a top-flight club.^[1]

During 1965 Howfield went to play with the New York Americans of the International Soccer League.^[1] He returned to Aldershot in August 1965, playing for the Hampshire club until 1967,^[1] before playing non-League football with Chelmsford City.^[2]

American football

Known for his powerful kicks,^[1] Howfield returned to America to take up American football as a placekicker. Between 1968 and 1970 he played for the Denver Broncos. Following the 1970 season, the Broncos traded Howfield to the New York Jets for Jim Turner.^[3] He played for the Jets until 1974.

Later life

After his retirement from sport, Howfield worked in the insurance department of a Denver bank, and he still lives close to the city.^[4]