High flying Howie will play his 200th AFL game on Thursday night, a milestone our vice-captain wasn't sure he'd reach after injury cruelled his 2020 and 2021 seasons.
"It's obviously something I'm incredibly proud to finally achieve," Howe said this week, ahead of bringing up the double century against Brisbane.
"The last couple of seasons have challenged the thought of even getting to this milestone.
"In my first 10 seasons I didn't miss too many games and unfortunately in the last couple of years I've had issues with my knee.
"I've always loved the game and given I was never really out with a long term injury it really challenged me mentally that I wasn't able to function the same way.
"I couldn't contribute on field and I struggled with that."
Traded to Collingwood in late 2015 after five seasons at Melbourne, Howe said he immediately felt right at home in the black and white.
"Collingwood made the transition really easy - Bucks was a big part of that and the playing group embraced me too," he said.
"It was really positive for me and my wife Kahlia.
"I wasn't enjoying my footy at the backend of my time at Melbourne.
"Ever since I've been at the Pies I feel like I've been in a good headspace and my footy is more consistent - that's a credit to the organisation for the way they embraced me and made me feel."
A Darren Millane memorial trophy winner in 2019 and 2020, Howie is the epitome of the ideal clubman and was elevated to the leadership group in his second year at Collingwood.
"We have great leaders here - I look at Pendles, he inspires all of us and he makes people around him better," he said.
"That's something I've tried to do in the later years of my career, as you get more experienced you think of others more.
"We have 20 kids under the age of 21 here and it's a great environment because they bring so much enthusiasm.
"The vice-captain thing evolved naturally, it's probably just the way I carry myself.
"I have great relationships with all the boys and staff so that's probably a factor."
He's taken some all-time hangers over the last decade (and change) and reflected on the most memorable moments of his career so far.
"I love ANZAC day every year," he said.
"Playing in front of the big crowds is something I've always loved and I feel lucky that the Pies fans always turn out in droves and bring that energy.
"The 2017 mark was probably the best I've taken and it was against Melbourne - the old mob - which was great.
"I have taken a few along the way, hopefully there's a few more this season."
He said welcoming son Zander had helped him find more balance.
"Last week when the wives and kids did their guard of honour at the game, seeing my son wearing my number made me pretty emotional," he said.
"He's had a huge impact on us.
"Regardless of how your day is going or how you play, I get home and I'm just craving a smile from him - that's enough for me.
"(The milestone) is an opportunity to reflect on the journey so far and I'm incredibly proud of the last 12 seasons and hopefully there's a few more to come."
