Howard led the Big Ten in scoring while helping the Wolverines to three conference titles and two Rose Bowls during his time in Ann Arbor. He did so well that he won the Heisman Trophy, was named a consensus All-America, and took home the Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Player of the Year, all in 1991 during his prolific senior season.

The FootballFoundation.org website claims he finished his career with 134 receptions for 2,146 yards and 32 touchdowns and set the Michigan record for most touchdowns (23) and points (138) scored in a single-season. Desmond Howard was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010 after the National Football Foundation tabulated their votes. Desmond was the fourth overall selection in the 1992 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins, Howard spent 11 seasons as a pro. Howard claimed the Super Bowl XXXI Most Valuable Player when he led the Green Bay Packers over the New England Patriots after setting Super Bowl records for punt return yards (90) and total return yards (244) in a game. He also set the Super Bowl record for longest kick return of 99 yards.