A member of the undefeated 1972 Dolphins Tremendous Bowl group and adorned faculty broad receiver has died at age 81.
Howard Twilley, who caught a 28-yard landing cross in Miami’s 14-7 victory over Washington in Tremendous Bowl VII, died Wednesday. No explanation for loss of life was introduced.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Tulsa Football Legend and Hall of Famer, Howard Twilley,” Tulsa Soccer posted.
“Twilley was one of the greatest receivers in College Football history, setting numerous NCAA records before venturing to the NFL and winning two Super Bowls. Our hearts and sympathies are with Twilley’s family and his many friends.”
Twilley was a standout at Tulsa, the place he completed second within the 1965 Heisman Trophy race to USC working again Mike Garrett.
Throughout that historic run, he set NCAA data for receptions (134) and receiving yards (1779) in a single season. He was elected to the Faculty Soccer Corridor of Fame in 1992 — then the second-ever Golden Hurricane participant to obtain the respect.
Twilley grew to become the primary broad receiver drafted by the growth Dolphins within the 1966 AFL Draft. He was chosen within the twelfth spherical.
Miami completed with shedding data in every of its first 4 seasons earlier than it employed head coach Don Shula.
In Shula’s first 12 months, the Dolphins gained 10 video games and made the playoffs. The next 12 months, they gained the AFC championship.
“I can remember when it was really something just to make a first down,” Twilley advised Sports activities Illustrated in 1972.
The Dolphins misplaced Tremendous Bowl VI to the Cowboys however roared again in 1972 after they went undefeated within the common season, with veteran quarterback Earl Morrall profitable 9 video games rather than an injured Bob Griese.
“I can remember having Earl Morrall’s football card when I was in the seventh grade,” Twilley advised the Houston Chronicle in 2017. “And I’m considering to myself, ‘I’m enjoying with this man and he’s a great good friend.’ “
With Griese again underneath middle, Twilley caught a landing on the finish of the primary quarter towards Washington for the primary factors of the sport. Miami’s win capped an ideal 17-0 season for the Dolphins.
For an encore, the 1973 Dolphins repeated as Tremendous Bowl champs, beating the Vikings 24-7 in Tremendous Bowl VIII.
Twilley performed 11 years throughout the AFL and NFL earlier than he retired after the 1976 season with over 3,000 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns.
He was married to his spouse Julie in 1968 they usually had three youngsters.
After his enjoying days, Twilley labored within the footwear enterprise and wealth administration.
“I wouldn’t trade the experience of catching a pass in the Super Bowl for 10 million dollars or 20 million dollars,” he stated in 2017. “I might, but I don’t think I would.”
