Aj Howard

AJ Howard, born on December 23, 1995, in Hamilton, Georgia, established himself as a prominent figure in Football through both his playing career and subsequent coaching roles. After a distinguished collegiate career at App State, where he excelled as a safety, Howard achieved his lifelong dream of playing in the National Football League. His dedication and performance culminated in winning a Super Bowl ring with the New England Patriots, a significant milestone in his professional career.

Howard’s journey from player to coach began with a graduate assistant position at Louisville, where he focused on defense during the 2020 season. He then furthered his involvement in the NFL, serving as a Southeast area scout for the New England Patriots in 2021 and 2022. This experience provided him with a comprehensive understanding of talent evaluation at the professional level. In February 2023, Howard returned to his alma mater, App State, taking on the role of outside linebackers coach, bringing his professional insights and Super Bowl experience back to the collegiate field.

At App State, Howard quickly made an impact, earning recognition in the Football Coaches Association’s 35 Under 35 Class for 2024 during his first year as an assistant. His coaching has led to notable achievements, such as mentoring true freshman Nate Johnson, who became a Freshman All-American with 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 legacy in football.