Howard, who usually plays center but can also play power forward, had an outstanding high school career at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy. He chose to forgo college and entered the 2004 NBA Draft, and was selected first overall by the Magic. Over his career as an All-Star, All-NBA team selection, All-Defensive team member, and Defensive Player of the Year, Howard has been ranked consistently as one of the best in the league in rebounds, blocks, field goal percentage and free throw attempts, and has set numerous franchise and league records. He led the Orlando Magic to multiple division and conference titles, and he was the winner of the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. In the 2008 Olympics, he was the starting center for Team USA, which went on to win the gold medal.  

Before he was drafted in 2004, Howard said that he wanted to use his NBA career and Christian faith to "raise the name of God within the league and throughout the world". In November 2009, he was named one of the 10 finalists for the Jefferson Awards for Public Service, which awards athletes for their charitable work. Howard once said, “I have a great opportunity to become one of the best big men to ever play the game. But I want my legacy to be bigger and better off the court than it is on the court. Basketball is just a platform for all the great things that I want to do in life.”

On August 10, 2012, Howard was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. In July of 2013 he signed with the Houston Rockets.