Ex-NFL players to return to Pasco High in April

Pasco High School’s athletic director will soon have his dream of a visit by two former Super Bowls athletes come true.

Retired National Football League players Anthony Davis and Ron Howard are expected back at their alma mater on April 22 to be part of the presentation of two golden footballs.

The footballs were given to the school in February in commemoration of Super Bowl 50 this year.

The 5 p.m. event in the main gym at Pasco High will be free and open to the public, and there will be refreshments and an opportunity for photos with the former professional players.

“We’re really happy to have it,” Pasco High Athletic Director Jake Davis told the Herald.

The NFL sent 3,000 golden Wilson NFL footballs to more than 2,000 high schools attended by former Super Bowl players. Kennewick, Connell and Walla Walla high schools also received the golden honor for former players.

Pasco High graduate Anthony Davis, no relation to Jake Davis, was with the Baltimore Ravens as a linebacker when they were in Super Bowl XXXV. He currently lives in the Kansas City, Mo.

And Ron Howard was a tight end for the Dallas Cowboys when that team played in Super Bowl X in 1976. He is now an administrator at a Seattle middle school.

Jake Davis said it was difficult to work out when both former players could be at the school at the same time. However, both are set to be at a memorial golf tournament in the region in mid-April.

A goal of getting both players back is to have them sign the footballs before they are permanently placed in Pasco High’s trophy case, Jake Davis said.

But it’s also a way to honor them. Several guest speakers are expected to be there.

“What a great opportunity to do something special for both of these guys,” Jake Davis said. “And for me there’s an opportunity to send a message to our current student athletes.”

This story was originally published March 28, 2016 at 6:52 PM with the headline "Ex-NFL players to return to Pasco High in April."