Jordan Reginald Howard (born November 2, 1994) is an American former professional football running back.
[2] While he excelled for the Rockets, he was generally regarded as a just two-star prospect and was not a highly sought-after recruit by major college programs.
[10] Following the shutdown of UAB's football team, Howard transferred to Indiana prior to the 2015 season.
On May 1, 2016, he participated at Indiana's pro day, along with Nate Sudfeld, Jason Spriggs, Darius Latham, and seven other then prospects.
At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Howard was projected to be a second or third round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts.
[25] Howard had a strong performance in the Bears' preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns, where he rushed for 107 yards with one touchdown.
[26] The Bears named Howard as their third running back on their depth chart behind veterans Langford and Carey prior to the start of the regular season.
[28] Howard was named the Bears' starting running back after Langford suffered an ankle injury.
[33] In Week 8, Howard had 26 carries for a season-high 153 rushing yards and a touchdown in a 20–10 win over the Minnesota Vikings.
[35][31] On December 4, in Week 13, Howard ran for 117 yards on 32 carries and scored a season-high, and franchise rookie record-tying three rushing touchdowns in a 26–6 win over the San Francisco 49ers.
[39] In the New Year's Day season finale, Howard had a Bears rookie record seventh 100-yard game, with 23 carries for 135 yards in a loss to the Vikings.
[42] Howard was later named to the 2017 Pro Bowl as a replacement for injured Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson.
Howard joined Gale Sayers as the only Bears rookie running backs to make the Pro Bowl.
[62] On October 28, Howard rushed 22 times for an 81 yards and a touchdown in the 24–10 victory against the New York Jets.
In Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams, Howard rushed for a season-high 101 yards as the Bears won 15-6.
[68] In the Wild Card Round against the Eagles, he had 10 carries for 35 yards in his playoff debut, a 16–15 loss.
[69] Howard ended the season with 935 rushing yards on 250 attempts, while his nine touchdowns led the team.
[74] In Week 8 against the Bills, Howard rushed a season high 23 times for 96 yards and a touchdown in the 31-13 win.
During the game, Howard managed to rush eight times for seven yards, but scored the Dolphins' lone touchdown of the 21–11 loss.
[89][90] Howard was called up to the active roster following an injury to starter Miles Sanders and soon established himself as the Eagles' lead back.
Since that date, he has worn a white T-shirt with his father's photo printed on it under his pads for upwards of 80 football games.