Erik Howard's journey in professional football began when he was drafted by the New York Giants in the second round of the 1986 NFL Draft. As a defensive tackle, Howard quickly became an integral part of the Giants' defensive line. His rookie season coincided with the Giants' successful campaign that culminated in a victory at Super Bowl XXI. Howard's role in the team was primarily focused on anchoring the defensive line, where he excelled in stopping the run and applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Throughout his tenure with the Giants, Howard was known for his strength and technique, which allowed him to effectively disrupt offensive plays. His performance on the field contributed to the Giants' defensive prowess during the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1990, Howard played a crucial role in the Giants' defense, which was instrumental in their journey to winning Super Bowl XXV. His ability to perform under pressure was evident during the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers, where his forced fumble led to a pivotal turnover that helped secure the Giants' victory.
After spending eight seasons with the Giants, Howard transitioned to the New York Jets in 1994. With the Jets, he continued to demonstrate his skills as a defensive tackle, providing veteran leadership and experience to the team's defensive unit. Howard's presence on the field was marked by his consistent performance and ability to adapt to different defensive schemes.
Over the course of his career, Erik Howard played in 139 regular-season games, starting in 120 of them.
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