Legendary 1972 Dolphins Star Howard Twilley Passes Away at 81!
Howard Twilley, a standout receiver for the Miami Dolphins during their historic 1972 undefeated season and a Heisman Trophy runner-up at the University of Tulsa, has passed away at the age of 81.
A spokesperson for Tulsa confirmed Twilley’s passing on Wednesday after speaking with his family. However, no cause of death was disclosed.
A Crucial Part of Miami’s Perfect Season
Twilley played a vital role in the Dolphins’ legendary 1972 season, catching a touchdown pass in Super Bowl VII against the Washington Redskins. That game ended in a 14-7 victory, securing Miami’s 17-0 record—the only perfect season in NFL history.
He remained with the Dolphins for their back-to-back Super Bowl victories, contributing to their championship win the following season. Over 11 seasons with Miami (1966-1976), Twilley recorded:
– 212 receptions
– 3,064 receiving yards
– 23 touchdowns
His reliability and strong hands made him a key target in Miami’s offense during a dominant era for the franchise.
College Football Star with Record-Breaking Stats
Before his NFL success, Twilley was a record-setting receiver at the University of Tulsa. In an era when teams heavily favored the running game, he put up astonishing numbers:
– 261 career receptions
– 3,343 receiving yards
– 32 touchdowns
His 3,343 career receiving yards stood as a school record for over 50 years, until Keylon Stokes broke it in 2022.
Twilley’s 1965 season was particularly remarkable. He finished runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, losing to USC’s Mike Garrett, after posting:
– 134 receptions (NCAA record for over two decades)
– 1,779 receiving yards (NCAA record for over two decades)
Some of his most unbelievable single-game performances include:
✔ Five touchdowns vs. Louisville
✔ 267 yards on 16 catches vs. Memphis
✔ 242 yards on 18 catches vs. Southern Illinois
✔ 226 yards on 14 receptions vs. Cincinnati
✔ 214 yards on 19 catches vs. Colorado State
Twilley was not only an on-field star but also a top scholar. He was named captain of the Academic All-America team in 1965 and later earned MVP honors at the 1966 Senior Bowl.
Choosing Miami Over Minnesota & a Lifelong Commitment to the Dolphins
Twilley was drafted twice in 1966:
– Minnesota Vikings (14th round, NFL Draft)
– Miami Dolphins (12th round, AFL Draft)
He chose the Dolphins, a first-year expansion team, and remained loyal to the franchise throughout his entire career. His dedication paid off, as he became a key figure in Miami’s rise to dominance in the early 1970s.
Life After Football: Business & Politics
Following his NFL retirement in 1976, Twilley built a successful business career, owning and operating sporting goods stores across Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas.
In 1994, he considered running for Congress in Oklahoma but instead chose to support another former Tulsa football great, Steve Largent.
Hall of Fame Recognitions & Legacy
Twilley’s impact on the game was widely recognized through multiple Hall of Fame inductions:
– Tulsa Athletic Hall of Fame (1984)
– College Football Hall of Fame (1992)
– Oklahoma Hall of Fame (1995)
Additionally, Tulsa retired his No. 81 jersey, ensuring that his legacy remains forever honored at his alma mater.
Final Thoughts: Remembering a Football Legend
Howard Twilley was more than just a key player in Miami’s undefeated season—he was a record-setting college receiver, a dedicated Dolphin, and a respected businessman. His contributions to both football and his community leave behind a lasting legacy.
Twilley’s achievements will forever be remembered, not only in Tulsa and Miami but across the entire football world.
