— The real estate market has endured tough times throughout the country. But LaRod Stephens-Howling inadvertently became a real estate agent as he helped an Arizona couple become owners of a brand-new house.

Stephens-Howling’s 102-yard return for a touchdown on the opening kickoff in the Arizona Cardinals 24-23 victory over the Oakland Raiders served as a mortgage payment of sorts.

The Greater Johnstown and Pitt graduate won a home for Dave Johnson of Surprise, Ariz., as part of the “Take It To The House” promotion sponsored by a Phoenix home-building company.

“It’s crazy just to be in a position like that,” said Stephens-Howling, a second-year Cardinal whose nickname is The Hyphen. “I had no clue that they were doing a promotion. Anytime the first kickoff return at a home game, if it ‘goes to the house,’ whoever’s name they pick out of the drawing wins a house. They actually get to lay out the house however they want it. It’s just amazing that I’m in a position to win someone a house. It’s a blessing.

“I’m speechless about the whole matter.”

Stephens-Howling’s return from 2 yards deep in the Cardinals end zone probably left Johnson speechless as well.

Oakland coach Tom Cable had deferred after the Raiders won the coin toss on Sunday. That meant the Cardinals received the kickoff and Stephens-Howling, who had a return for a touchdown negated by a penalty the previous week, took control.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Johnson said in a statement that appeared on a Cardinals-related website.

“I saw the play developing right in front of me. It was really exciting.”

Stephens-Howling met Johnson earlier this week and said the Cardinals fan was very appreciative of the big return.

“He came out to the facility after practice. We met,” Stephens-Howling said. “He’s a great guy. You could tell how excited he was in his voice. At the same time he said it hasn’t set in to him yet. They get to pick their model next week and lay out the house.”

Stephens-Howling has laid a solid foundation for his NFL career. He’s proven doubters wrong throughout his high school, college and pro careers by overcoming questions about his 5-foot-7, 185-pound frame through the combination of hard work, determination and terrific skills.

Last season, the rookie seventh-round draft pick led Arizona with 23 special teams tackles while appearing in all 16 games and two postseason contests. Against Tennessee, he returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown and also downed three punts inside the 5-yard line to earn NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.

Through three games this season, Stephens-Howling has carried seven times for 49 yards and caught six passes for 41 yards for 2-1 Arizona. He’s a mainstay on special teams with his returns and hard hits.

“I feel good about the season so far,” Stephens-Howling said.

“I’ve been playing well. I just hope it continues. It’s good to be 2-1, but we also know we haven’t played our best football yet.

“We’re striving real hard to play our best.”

The Cardinals visit San Diego this week and host defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans on Oct. 10 before having a bye in Week 6.

Stephens-Howling said he intends to return home during the bye week and perhaps take in a Johnstown High game.

After all, he rushed for 4,597 yards with the Trojans and was a two-time Tribune-Democrat Offensive Player of the Year (2003, 2004).

“I’ve been hearing about the Trojans,” said Stephens-Howling. “My boy (former teammate and current assistant coach) Josh Miller is coaching at Johnstown. He gives me a rundown after every game. I also see things on Facebook that guys are posting.

“I’m real excited for them. I can’t wait to get back to see a game. Our bye week is on Oct. 12.”

That means Stephens-Howling might be able to watch Johnstown play city rival Bishop McCort at Point Stadium on Oct. 15.

“That’s the game I want to be at,” he said.

Stephens-Howling also keeps tabs on his college team, Pitt.

The Panthers are a disappointing 1-2 but LaRod still is optimistic about Pitt’s chances and the impact of local players such as Johnstown graduate Antwuan Reed, McCort grad Mike Cruz and Richland’s Marco Pecora.

“I definitely follow Pitt’s guys,” Stephens-Howling said. “I was just talking to Coach (David) Walker, the running backs coach.

“I’m excited for them, especially Antwuan. It’s great to watch him grow and see him start out there (at defensive back) now. I love watching him play.”