May 7, 2025
Howard Industries Pledges to Support Mississippi State University Football Program
Donation Will Help Fund a New Football Practice Facility, Honoring Billy W. Howard, Sr.
Starkville, MS – May 7, 2025 – Howard Industries proudly announces a landmark pledge to Mississippi State University’s (MSU) Football program. This generous donation will support the construction of a state-of-the-art indoor football practice facility, which will be named in honor of Billy W. Howard, Sr., a beloved alumnus, former student-athlete, and pillar of the MSU community.
The new facility will bear the name of Mr. Howard, who graduated from MSU in just three years with a degree in electrical engineering in 1946. A standout athlete, he excelled in football, basketball, and track, lettering in all three sports. Mr. Howard made his mark as a football player under Coach McKeen, where he became the first player in MSU history to play nearly every minute of every game, earning the nickname “Iron Man.” His athletic legacy includes a memorable moment in 1945 when he intercepted a pass from future NFL Hall-of-Famer Y.A. Tittle and returned it for a game-winning touchdown. His interception led the Bulldogs to a thrilling victory over the LSU Tigers in the final 30 seconds of the game — making this story one of his favorites to share with his children and grandchildren.
After an impressive college career, Mr. Howard turned down offers to play in the NFL from the Chicago Bears and the San Diego Chargers. He attributes his accomplishments, both on and off the field, to the athletic scholarship he received from MSU, which made it possible for him to attend college.
His devotion to Mississippi State University extended to his family, as his brothers—A.B., Cowboy, and Jimmy Howard—also played football at MSU. His legacy continued with his son, Michael Howard, and his son-in-law, Kyle McCoy, both whom were offensive linemen for the Bulldogs. The university also brought together Kyle and Mr. Howard’s daughter, Cyndi, who was a Bulldog Hostess and Diamond Girl at MSU. Although he did not play football, Mr. Howard’s eldest son, Billy Howard Jr., is also an alumnus of Mississippi State University, as are many members of the next generation of Howards, including Mary Alice, Leslie, Karly, Anna Kate, and Andrew. Additionally, Mr. Howard’s youngest granddaughter, Abby, is currently completing her degree at the university, and his great-grandchildren are already cheering "Go Dogs!" at MSU sporting events.
“We are so thankful to the Howard Family and Howard Industries for their thoughtful decision to invest in the development of elite talent at Mississippi State,” MSU Director of Athletics Zac Selmon said. “We know this is a critical time in college football and we must take steps forward to elevate the standard of Mississippi State football. We are thrilled Howard Industries shares this belief with us, but we are even more excited and honored that the new facility will bear the name of Mr. Billy, as he is someone who exemplifies what it means to be a Mississippi State Bulldog. We can’t wait to continue to share his story with all who walk through the doors of this facility.”
Mr. Howard’s impact at MSU is commemorated by his induction into the Mississippi State University Sports Hall of Fame, which recognizes his football, basketball, and track achievements. He has received numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Alumni Award and the Distinguished American Award from the National Football Foundation. Additionally, Mr. Howard served as Past National President of the MSU Alumni Association, to name a few.
“This donation is a tribute to my family’s deep ties to Mississippi State University,” said Mr. Howard. “It’s an honor to support the football program and to help build a facility that will continue to nurture the next generation of student-athletes. I’m proud to be a part of the Bulldogs’ legacy.”
The Howard Industries’ pledge will be crucial in advancing the facilities available to MSU’s football program, strengthening the university’s athletic reputation, and providing student-athletes with the best possible environment to succeed.
For more information about the MSU Football program or to support future initiatives, please visit
hailstate.com.
Press Release:
https://hailstate.com/news/2025/5/7/football-howard-industries-contributes-lead-gift-for-mississippi-states-new-indoor-practice-facilityAbout Howard IndustriesHoward Industries is a leading manufacturer of electrical and technology products, specializing in distribution and medium power transformers, computers, medical carts, kiosks, and various other technological items. Based in Mississippi, Howard also has a wholly-owned subsidiary trucking company–Howard Transportation.