Rhein Fire defensive back Justin Howell: “I didn’t want just any opportunity. I wanted the right one”
Justin Howell did not arrive at this moment by accident. The Canadian defensive back built his career step by step through college football in Canada and then the CFL, one of the most physical leagues in North America. Now, for the first time in his career, he is making the move to Europe. The destination is Rhein Fire, and Howell is not coming to find out if he can compete at this level. He already knows he can. He is coming to win.
Europe had been on his radar for years
Howell spent years competing in the CFL, a league known for its speed, its hard-nosed defence, and the demands it places on professional athletes. By his own account, it was a great run. But he never stopped looking ahead. When the opportunity to play in Europe came into view, he was ready.
“For me, it came down to timing and opportunity. I’ve had a great run in the CFL, and am so fortunate to have had such a great career, but I still feel like I’m playing some of my best football and I want to keep pushing that,” Howell explained.
Europe had been on his mind for a while, but Howell was not going to jump at the first name that came his way. He wanted the right fit, not just a contract. When Rhein Fire came into the picture, the decision did not take long.
“When Rhein Fire came into the picture, it just felt right. They’re a top organisation with a winning culture, strong fan base, and high standards. I didn’t want just any opportunity. I wanted the right one. Rhein Fire checked every box,” he said.
The teacher who dragged him away from volleyball
Long before the CFL, before college, before any of it, there was a high school physical education teacher named Mr. Ball. Howell was in the middle of volleyball practice when Ball pulled him aside and brought him to try football. It was not something Howell had planned. But it changed everything.
“Mr. Ball actually dragged me out in the middle of my volleyball practice and brought me to try football. Without him seeing something in me and being tough on me, I honestly wouldn’t be here today. I’m forever grateful for that,” Howell said.
From that moment, football became the focus. Howell went on to play college football in Canada, where coaches like Hallsy, Bech, and Sumarah helped develop him and hold him to a standard. He carried those habits into the professional game and never let them go.
What the CFL taught him
The CFL is not an easy league. It asks a lot of its players, and only those who show up every day with the right approach last. For Howell, the years at that level shaped the way he thinks about the game and about himself as a professional.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned is consistency. Talent can get you there, but it’s your habits, preparation, and mindset that keep you there,” he said.
Adaptability was the other lesson. Different coaches, different systems, different roles, Howell learned how to adjust without losing his edge. Coaches like Dyce, Benevides, and Campbell pushed him to understand what being a pro really means: not just on game day, but every day in between.
Physical, versatile, and ready to make an impact
When Howell talks about his game, three words come up straight away: physical, versatile, and disciplined. He does not limit himself to one role. Whether it is coverage, stopping the run, or contributing on special teams, he wants to be wherever the team needs him most.
“I take pride in being a tone-setter and getting to the football, whether that’s in coverage, in the run game, or on special teams. I’m someone who plays fast, plays aggressive, and brings energy every snap,” he said.
His goals for the season are equally straightforward. Win a championship. Be a player the team can count on in big moments. And keep growing, even after all the years he has already put into the game.
“First and foremost, I want to help the team win. That’s always the priority. Individually, I want to come in, establish myself quickly, and be a difference-maker on defence and special teams,” Howell said.
For Rhein Fire fans, his message is simple. He has heard about the energy they bring to the stadium. He is looking forward to experiencing it. And he is ready to give back everything he has.
“You’re getting a player who’s going to give everything he has every time he steps on the field. Let’s have a big season,” he said.
