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UNC Football: Former Tar Heel Bug Howard Returns to NFL

By Bryant Baucom

Apr 23, 2022; Birmingham, AL, USA; Philadelphia Stars tight end Bug Howard (11) grabs a pass against the Pittsburgh Maulers during the first half at Protective Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2022; Birmingham, AL, USA; Philadelphia Stars tight end Bug Howard (11) grabs a pass against the Pittsburgh Maulers during the first half at Protective Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports /
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The UNC football standout becomes the 28th Tar Heel in the NFL and joins former Heels Gio Bernard and Kyler McMichael in Tampa Bay.

Former UNC football receiver Bug Howard is returning to the NFL, signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Howard, who has been converted to tight end, spent last season in the USFL with the Philadelphia Stars.

In the league’s first season, Howard recorded action in 10 games, tallying 30 receptions for 371 yards and four touchdowns. Howard’s four touchdown catches were tied for second in the league, one behind the USFL lead.

Prior to his success with the Stars that led him back to the NFL, the Rochelle, Georgia native had been part of six different organizations since turning pro in 2017.

Howard played in 46 games over four seasons at North Carolina, guiding the Tar Heels to four straight bowl games and an ACC Championship game appearance.

The former three-star recruit amassed 146 receptions for 2,048 yards and 18 touchdowns. Howard finished his career In Chapel Hill ranked 12th in receiving yards, 11th in receptions, and tied for sixth in receiving touchdowns.

After going undrafted in 2017, the Indianapolis Colts signed Howard as a UDFA, before spending his rookie season on the Cleveland Browns practice squad.

With the retirement of Rob Gronkowski and the loss of O.J. Howard to free agency, Cameron Brate is the lone returning tight end on the Buccaneers’ roster. Tampa Bay currently has seven tight ends in training camp.

Kyle Rudolph and Cameron Brate are expected to make the roster, leaving one more spot for a tight end. Howard will battle three rookies, including fourth-round pick Cade Otton, as the Bucs look to clinch their third straight playoff appearance.

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