Ron Howard, Anthony Davis return home for ‘gold ball’ celebration

Ron Howard and Anthony Davis, former Pasco football players who played in the Super Bowl, will be on hand Friday when the high school holds a celebration in their honor at 5 p.m. in the Pasco gym.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the Super Bowl, the NFL delivered golden footballs to the high schools of the 3,000 players who have played in the big game, including two to Pasco for Howard and Davis and one to Kennewick High for former Pittsburgh Steeler Ray Mansfield.

Connell also got a football for former Washington Redskin tight end Clint Didier, as did Walla Walla for retired New England Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe.

Howard graduated from Pasco in 1970 and was a tight end with the Dallas Cowboys when they played the Steelers in Super Bowl X in 1976. Davis is a 1987 Pasco grad and got his Super Bowl ring as a linebacker with the Baltimore Ravens when they beat the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV in 2001.

Friday’s event is open and free to the public, with an opportunity to take photos with the players. Howard and Davis also will sign their golden footballs, which will be displayed in the school’s trophy case.

This story was originally published April 21, 2016 at 6:31 PM with the headline "Ron Howard, Anthony Davis return home for ‘gold ball’ celebration."