The Miami Dolphins and the world of football are mourning the loss of Howard Twilley, a pivotal player on the team's historic and undefeated 1972 lineup. He was 81 years old at the time of his death this past Wednesday. While no cause of death was readily provided, Twilley's impact on the field remains undisputed, leaving a legacy celebrated by generations of football fans.
Twilley's professional career, spanning over 11 years solely with the Dolphins, was nothing short of commendable, having secured 212 receptions for 3,064 yards and 23 touchdowns throughout his tenure. Notably, he contributed to significantly to Miami's Super Bowl VII win over the Washington Redskins, claiming victory for a perfect 17-0 season and securing back-to-back championships for the team. ESPN highlighted that Twilley started all three playoff games in 1972, with four receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown—indelible moments that remain etched in the team's storied history.
Before making waves in the NFL, Twilley showcased an exceptional college football career at the University of Tulsa. There, the wide receiver left an indelible mark, stacking up staggering statistics that were unprecedented for a time when the rush dominated college play. CBS News reported that his collegiate career included 261 receptions, 3,343 yards, and 32 touchdowns, numbers that earned him the title of Heisman Trophy runner-up in 1965, second only to Southern California's Mike Garrett.
In a statement obtained by ESPN, Twilley's alma mater lauded him, noting that the school's recognition of his talents extended to retiring his No. 81 jersey, complementing his inductions into the Tulsa Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984, the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992, and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1995. His contributions to college football were so profound that NFF chairman Archie Manning said, "Howard Twilley was one of the greatest receivers in college football history with an uncanny ability to get open and change the course of a game," a significant testament to his prowess on the field.
Following his departure from professional sports, Twilley proved to be equally adept as an entrepreneur, eventually running a chain of sporting goods stores and engaging in the investment sector. He even flirted with the idea of a Congress run in Oklahoma in 1994. However, he chose to support another former Tulsa receiver, Steve Largent in the political arena instead. The legacy he leaves behind is dual-fold, remembered equally for his on and off-field achievements—a steadfast member of football history and an entrepreneurial spirit. ESPN quotes the Dolphins: "His touchdown in Super Bowl VII helped the Dolphins cap the NFL's only perfect season and his contributions to the organization will be forever remembered."
