Aj Howard

AJ Howard has transitioned from a Super Bowl-winning NFL defender to a collegiate football coach, sharing his extensive experience with aspiring athletes. After a distinguished collegiate career at App State where he excelled as a safety, AJ Howard went on to achieve a Super Bowl ring with the New England Patriots during the 2018-19 season, marking a significant milestone in his professional playing career. Having established himself as a prominent figure in Football through his collegiate performance, Howard graduated from App State in 2017, achieving his lifelong dream of playing in the National Football League and solidifying his foundation for a career dedicated to the sport. Howard’s journey from player to coach began with a graduate assistant position at Louisville, where he focused on defense during the 2020 season.

His coaching has already led to notable achievements, including mentoring true freshman Nate Johnson, who became a Freshman All-American during the 2024 season with an impressive 7.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss. Howard’s leadership has been instrumental in developing young talent and contributing to the success of the Mountaineers’ defense, continuing his impactful legacy in football. His blend of NFL playing experience and strategic coaching acumen positions him as a rising star in collegiate athletics, consistently driving player development and team performance at a high level.