Former Northwest Missouri State University football standout Zach Howard has earned a pair of National Football League mini camp invites following the 2023 NFL Draft.

Howard has gained mini camp invites from the Kansas City Chiefs and the Minnesota Vikings.

In 2022, Howard started all 13 games and racked up 11.5 sacks to go along with 16 tackles-for-loss. Howard totaled 52 tackles (41 solos) as a member of a stifling Bearcat defense. Howard had four games of multiple sacks including the home opener this season against Fort Hays State that saw him register three sacks and unleash his patented "Truffle Shuffle" celebration. Howard was named the MIAA Defensive Player of the Week following Northwest's 33-19 win over the Tigers.
 
Howard was a part of a Bearcat defensive unit that ranked No. 3 in the nation in fewest rushing yards allowed per game (64.2). The Bearcat defense ranked No. 12 in the country in points allowed per game (16.1). Northwest's defense ranked No. 8 in the nation in sacks per game (3.54).
 
Howard secured first-team all-MIAA for the second time in his collegiate career this season. He gained second-team D2CCA Super Region 3 honors in 2022. Howard ranks third in Bearcat annals with 29.5 quarterback sacks. He completed his days as a Bearcat tied for fourth all-time in tackles-for-loss (44.5).