With his NFL career winding down, former Houston Texans and Los Angeles Rams running back Gregory “Buddy” Howell found himself at a crossroads.
While talking with his agent about the next steps, Howell initially expressed hesitation at possibly moving into coaching.
But upon realizing there was an opportunity to work with the youth and next generation, Howell’s attitude immediately changed.
“It felt natural,” Howell told Legacy Library. “It felt needed, and I was happy to have the answer for them to get better and take their best shot at doing what I did — or even just being a great person who can help those around them.”
Howell, a Super Bowl champion with the Rams, is now an assistant football coach at Coral Gables Senior High, his alma mater. He also works with the school’s girls’ flag football team.
Additionally, Howell has launched LABWITHCHAMP, a private sports training program offering both private and small group sessions.
“I have big dreams for every kid I come in contact with,” Howell said, “but they need discipline and tough love so they can value anyone who’s willing to teach and look out for them.”
Paying it forward, especially in the South Florida area, shouldn’t surprise anyone even remotely familiar with Howell.
After an impressive high school career, Howell stayed local and signed with Florida Atlantic in 2014. By the time Howell and the Owls played Miami in September 2016, he was the unquestioned No. 1 running back and on his way to a 13-touchdown season.
Although his carries and workload dipped in his senior year, Howell finally experienced sustained winning. FAU went 11-3 in Lane Kiffin’s first season, winning both Conference USA and the Boca Raton Bowl.
Howell ran for 740 yards and five touchdowns on 6.6 yards per attempt as a senior. His 2,419 rushing yards still rank fourth in program history, as do his 22 rushing touchdowns.
Undrafted in 2018, Howell remained close to home yet again, this time after signing with the Dolphins. Following an impressive preseason, Howell landed with the Texans and immediately found a home on kickoff coverage. He played at least 64% of the Texans’ special teams snaps in each of his three years in Houston.
Howell spent 2021 with the Rams, even making a tackle during their Super Bowl victory over former FAU teammate Trey Hendrickson and the Bengals.
Howell is one of the few FAU players to win a conference championship and Super Bowl ring. However, he’s the only one to play in both title games.
These days, Howell isn’t focused on how he’s going to carve through a defense or sprint down the field to prevent a long kick return.
Now, Howell has his eyes set on maximizing the potential of South Florida’s star athletes.
“The constant thrill of getting better and understanding this could change your life because of the environment we are in might be the biggest difference,” Howell said.
Know a former athlete whose story deserves to be told? Contact Legacy Library Sports at info@legacylibrarysports.com.
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