There are many moments from the NWSL Championship that fans can remember. One player, though, can now accomplish something that her father once did over 20 years ago.
Gotham FC midfielder Jaelin Howell, in her first few seasons with Gotham, will now get a championship ring. She is just the second in her family to do so. John Howell, played in the National Football League and won a title with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003.
He was a member of the NFL for six seasons. The highlight more than likely was the Super Bowl victory in 2003. Howell played on special teams and was a defensive back during the victory.
Jaelin Howell was four years old when her father won the Super Bowl
Now she is a champion after being a key part and steady presence in the midfield for Gotham all season. She had four goals and one assist during the year. She might generate as many headlines as Rose Lavelle or Midge Purce, but no doubt has been a huge part of the reason they won a title.
She was a first-round draft pick of Racing Louisville in 2022. She spent two and a half years on the roster and then was traded to Seattle Reign FC a year ago. She was then traded this past December to Gotham, which has led to her first championship and second among her family.
Now the midfielder will be setting her sights on the United States National Team. She has five caps to her name, but has been called up to camp before the Italy matches that will occur in December. If she is able to make an appearance, it will be her first since 2022.
She was only seven years ago when her father's NFL career ended. Her NWSL career began 17 years later. It may have been a long time since a Howell was playing pro sports, but now there are two with a championship under their belts.
As Howell's career continues to move forward, it is not surprising if she eclipses what her father was able to accomplish in the NFL. She was a strong rookie for Racing Louisville in 2022 and could now be a huge part of Gotham FC for a long period.
After gaining a ring, she is probably setting her sights on earning a spot on the United States Women's World Cup roster for 2027.
It would be another proud moment for her sports-heavy family if she were named to the roster.