Howard attended Irvington High School, where he practiced football, baseball and track.
He became a three-year starter at left cornerback and is mostly remembered for returning a blocked punt against the United States Military Academy for a 12-yard touchdown.
Howard was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 1984 NFL draft.
In the playoffs against the Cleveland Browns, he was involved in a late hit penalty on quarterback Bernie Kosar, that is cited by many observers as the turning point in the 20–23 overtime loss.
He was waived on September 12, 1989, after giving up a 31-yard reception that set up the winning touchdown in the season opener.