Howard began his career in 1998 with the New York Red Bulls before earning a move to Manchester United in the English Premier League in 2003. He transferred to Everton in 2006, where he would go on to make 400 appearances for the Toffees before returning stateside to end his career. For the U.S. men's national team, Howard made 121 appearances, leading them between the sticks for 17 years.