D. Howard Returns To Pack

June 23, 1999 / 11:47 PM EDT / AP

Desmond Howard, a Super Bowl MVP who disappointed fans when he bolted for the Oakland Raiders two years ago, has returned to the Green Bay Packers.

Â"I feel I'm returning to a contender, a great team,Â" Howard said in a teleconference Wednesday after signing with the Packers.

Howard, 29, who gained fame with the Packers as a kick and punt returner, agreed to terms on a multiyear contract with the Packers as a free agent. He was cut by Oakland June 9.

Â"I hope Desmond can recreate the magic he created when he was with us in 1996,Â" general manager Ron Wolf said.

The Packers did not release contract terms.

Howard left the Packers as a free agent after setting a return record and being named MVP in the Packers' 35-21 victory over the New England Patriots in the 1997 Super Bowl.

The former Heisman Trophy winner from Michigan, who set an NCAA record by catching at least one touchdown pass in 10 consecutive games, signed a four-year, $6 million deal with the Raiders in 1997. At the time he said he hoped to get more playing time at receiver.

He never reached the level of play he did with the Packers. Howard was fifth among AFC punt returners with 45 returns for 541 yards and two touchdowns.

Howard attributed his lack of success in Oakland to the fact the Raiders were not a winning team.

Â"You can't compare a Super Bowl-winning team to a 4-12 team,Â" Howard said. Â"That's apples and oranges.Â"

Howard set a Green Bay record with 875 punt-return yards in 1996. He also led the NFL with a 15.1-yard punt-return average and three punt returns for touchdowns. He also averaged 21 yards per kickoff return and caught 13 passes for 95 yards.

In the Super Bowl, he had 244 return yards against the Patriots, including a record 99-yard kickoff return that clinched the Packers' first Super Bowl victory in 29 years. He also set a record with 90 punt-return yards, including a 32-yard return in the first quarter that set up the Packers' first score.