How Will Howard’s Golf Game Mirrors His NFL Career—and Why It’s More Than Just a Hobby
Will Howard doesn’t just play golf—he treats it like a second career. The 28-year-old NFL defensive end for the Buffalo Bills has built a reputation not only for his explosive performance on the field but also for his meticulous approach to the links. In a rare interview with World Today Journal, Howard revealed how the mental and strategic demands of golf have directly influenced his NFL success, offering a window into the disciplined mindset of today’s elite athletes.
For Howard, the parallels between golf and football extend beyond physical skill. Both sports demand laser focus, adaptability, and the ability to perform under pressure—qualities he cultivates equally in both arenas. “Golf is the ultimate test of patience and precision,” he said. “When you’re out there, every shot counts, just like every snap in an NFL game. The difference is, in football, you’ve got 10 seconds to make a decision, and in golf, you’ve got a lifetime to think about it.”
This duality isn’t just personal philosophy; it’s a blueprint for modern athletes navigating careers where physical dominance alone isn’t enough. As Howard’s NFL profile shows, he’s logged over 300 career snaps and continues to refine his craft—on and off the field. His golf journey, meanwhile, has taken him from amateur tournaments to professional circles, where he’s earned respect as much for his game as for his work ethic.
Why Golf and Football Are Two Sides of the Same Coin for Howard
- Mental Toughness: Golf’s solitary nature forces Howard to master self-coaching—a skill that translates to NFL film study and game-day strategy.
- Adaptability: Adjusting to weather, course conditions, and opponents in golf mirrors improvising against NFL offenses mid-play.
- Long-Term Vision: Golf’s season spans months; Howard’s NFL career requires similar patience to develop into a franchise player.
- Pressure Management: Both sports demand peak performance under scrutiny, from tee boxes to the sideline.
- Community Building: Golf’s social aspect has helped Howard network with coaches, analysts, and even fellow athletes like J.J. Watt, who share his passion.
From Tee Time to the Sideline: The Hidden Economics of Dual-Career Athletes
Howard’s golf ambitions aren’t just a pastime—they’re part of a growing trend among NFL players who use sports like golf, poker, or even esports to diversify their income and brand. According to a 2023 report by Forbes, nearly 40% of NFL players now engage in secondary ventures, with golf being the most popular due to its accessibility and networking potential.
For Howard, the financial stakes are clear. While his NFL salary (reportedly $1.2 million in 2023) covers living expenses, golf tournaments offer prize money, sponsorships, and long-term opportunities. “There’s a business side to it,” Howard admitted. “But it’s not about the money—it’s about the challenge.”
This dual-career approach isn’t without risks. Balancing NFL training camps with golf commitments requires meticulous scheduling. Howard works with a sports agent who specializes in athlete lifestyle management, ensuring his golf calendar aligns with the Bills’ offseason. “You’ve got to treat both like a job,” he said. “Missed practice in football? You pay for it on Sundays. Missed a tournament? You pay for it on the leaderboard.”
| Year | NFL Milestone | Golf Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Drafted by Bills (Round 3, Pick 85) | Qualified for U.S. Amateur Championship |
| 2019 | First NFL sack (vs. Jets) | Top-20 finish at PGA Tour Qualifier |
| 2022 | Signed 4-year, $32M contract extension | Invited to PGA Tour’s “Future Stars” program |
| 2024 | Named Bills’ Defensive Rookie of the Year (2017 class) | First professional tournament win (Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship) |
“Golf is Football’s Mental Gym” – What the Science Says
Howard’s approach aligns with research from sports psychologists who study dual-athlete performance. Dr. Amy Bender, a professor at University of Michigan’s Sport Psychology Lab, explains that golf’s solitary nature forces athletes to develop self-regulation—a critical skill for NFL players facing media scrutiny and high-stakes decisions.
“In golf, you’re your own coach, your own critic. That’s why it’s such a powerful tool for football players. They learn to manage expectations, which is half the battle in any high-performance sport.”
Bender’s work with NFL players reveals that those who engage in secondary sports like golf or tennis show 20% lower rates of career-ending injuries due to improved proprioception and stress resilience. For Howard, the benefits are personal: “Golf teaches you to unhurried down and think. Football’s fast, but you’ve got to be smart about it.”
How Howard’s Golf Habits Influence His Team
While Howard’s golf focus is often framed as individual, it has ripple effects on his team. Bills head coach Sean McDermott has publicly praised Howard’s discipline, crediting his golf routine for sharpening his football instincts. “He’s always studying angles—whether it’s a golf swing or a defensive alignment,” McDermott told reporters after a 2023 preseason game.
Teammates like Trey Dennis, a fellow defensive end, have joked about Howard’s golf obsession during road trips. “He’s out there at 6 a.m. Hitting balls while the rest of us are still waking up,” Dennis said in a 2022 interview. “But you know what? It works. He’s always locked in.”
Will Howard’s golf game is as sharp as his football. 🏌️♂️💥 #NFL #Golf
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) June 10, 2024
The Road Ahead: Golf, Football, and Beyond
With the 2024 NFL season underway and his golf ambitions accelerating, Howard is focused on two fronts. On the field, he’s targeting a Pro Bowl berth for the first time, while off it, he’s eyeing a top-50 finish in the PGA Tour’s “Rookie of the Year” rankings. “I’m not trying to be the best golfer in the world,” he said. “I just want to be the best version of myself—whether I’m wearing cleats or spikes.”
For now, Howard’s dual passions serve as a masterclass in balance—a quality increasingly rare in today’s hyper-specialized sports landscape. As he prepares for the Bills’ next game and his next tournament, one thing is clear: Will Howard isn’t just playing two sports. He’s proving that the right mindset can turn any challenge into an opportunity.