The man known as "Mr. Football" faces more than four decades behind bars after being convicted of two serious crimes.
A Stark County jury found Erick Howard, 20, guilty on all counts of robbery and sexual assault, and could be sentenced to 41 years in prison.
In January, Howard had been offered a plea deal for a 12-year term in prison, but turned it down.
North Canton police said that Howard, along with Seth Obermiller, 19, broke into an apartment on Sunford Avenue SE.
The two robbed a couple at gunpoint and bound them with duct tape, police said.
The police report said that the woman was also sexually assaulted. Police said 20-year-old Michael Taylor was also arrested for his involvement.
An arrest warrant was issued for Howard after the Aug. 20 robbery for burglary, rape and theft. More than a month after the crime, Howard turned himself in to police with attorney Rufus Sims.
Sims is a well-known defense attorney in the Cleveland area and was part of convicted serial killer Anthony Sowell's defense team.
Howard was the first Stark County football player to win the Mr. Football award in 2008. He won the award, which is given out by the Associated Press, again in 2009.
Howard will be sentenced on Tuesday, Feb. 7.
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