BHS Assistant Football Coach 'Paying It Forward' With New Generation

The numbers certainly weren’t in favor of Todd Howard.

Less than one-tenth of 1 percent of American men will ever "go pro" for an NFL team.

Yet, above all odds, Howard advanced his career from the ranks of Bolingbrook High School to the University of Michigan to the NFL.

These days, he’s keeping kids grounded in reality at , where he serves as an assistant coach on the football team.

"Guys with his knowledge and expertise about defensive backs are hard to come by," says Bolingbrook head coach John Ivlow. "We are very fortunate to have him."

Now at home in Bolingbrook, Howard honors his roots with a personal commitment to pay it forward.

He dabbles in a few entrepreneurial ventures and assumes the role of mentor, coach and advocate for anyone willing to put in the hard work necessary to reach their potential.

"A lot has changed since I went to school here,” Howard said. “Some for the better and some for the worse. In my day, we didn’t believe in taking seasons off. Three sport athletes were the norm.

"What I'd say has changed for the worse is the work ethic. The relentlessness and the determination that was a trademark of ‘Da Brook,’ seems to be dwindling. Some kids still have it, but it's too far and in between."

Howard, an only child, attended elementary school at North View (now the site of New Song Church) before going to Humphrey Middle School.

Extremely athletic, Howard played football, soccer, basketball, track and karate growing up.

"Competition was something that was instilled in me as a child,” he said. “I loved competing and being a part of teams. I also enjoyed the individual struggle of sports. The internal conflict of pushing yourself to the limit so that you can be the best you can possibly be."

By the time Howard arrived at BHS in 1993, he was determined to excel at basketball—and did so until his junior year.

But as time passed, Howard came to the sobering conclusion that his body was not designed to reach the soaring heights of college of the pros.

Howard then shifted his focus to track and football.

Howard’s former football coach, Phil Acton, still remembers him fondly. "Todd was highly successful,” Acton said. “His picture is still up on the wall at the high school. He played varsity as a sophomore, junior and senior and we made it to the state playoffs. He was an outstanding player. Set two or three records in kicks and punts. State champion in the 100- and 200-meter in track. Just a pleasure to coach."

But Howard is more likely to steer the conversation to his pupils’ potential.

"We have top-notch, first-class facilities,” he said. “I know it's cliché to talk about what you used to have, but I am definitely envious of the ‘new’ high school and all of its glory. I do take pride in knowing that myself and the others before me had something to do with it."

For now, Howard’s goal is to remain open to new and exciting ventures each day and never forget how fortunate he is to have the freedom to pursue a life that he is passionate about living. 

Howard said he’s also grateful for the opportunity to influence kids and encourage them to chase their dreams.

“Todd’s desire to succeed put him in a class by himself,” said Leroy Brown Jr., a friend of Howard’s. "That same desire has carried him forth into being a role model for our youth today. Todd is a highly committed individual that is dedicated to encouraging the image of our young people. He knows that by investing in our youth, the community and the world will reap the benefits. It's through this commitment that he inspires youth weekly."