Howard Twilley, Miami Dolphins Receiver on Perfect 1972 Season, Dies at 81
Howard Twilley, a standout wide receiver who helped the Miami Dolphins achieve a perfect 1972 season and was a Heisman Trophy runner-up at the University of Tulsa, died Wednesday at the age of 81.
A Tulsa spokesperson announced Twilley’s death but did not disclose the location or cause.
During the Dolphins’ undefeated 1972 campaign, Twilley made a crucial touchdown catch in Super Bowl VII against the Washington Redskins, contributing to Miami’s 14-7 victory. he remained with the Dolphins for the following season, helping them win back-to-back Super Bowls.
Despite being undersized for a wide receiver at 5 feet 10 inches and 185 pounds, Twilley enjoyed a successful 11-year NFL career, solely with the Dolphins until 1976. He finished with 212 receptions for 3,064 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Twilley’s college career at Tulsa was equally remarkable. He dominated the mid-1960s, a time when most college teams primarily relied on ground attacks.He accumulated remarkable statistics, catching 261 passes for 3,343 yards and 32 touchdowns.
In 1965, Twilley finished as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, trailing only Southern California’s Mike Garrett. That season,he set NCAA records with 134 catches and 1,779 receiving yards,making him a dominant force on the college football scene.
His accomplishments at Tulsa earned him induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992, the Tulsa Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984, and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1995. His jersey number, 81, was retired by Tulsa, a testament to his enduring legacy at the university.
After retiring from football, Twilley owned and operated sporting goods stores in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas. He engaged in public life, considering a run for Congress in Oklahoma before supporting former Tulsa receiver Steve Largent’s successful campaign for the House of Representatives.
**PAA Question:** How did Howard Twilley’s accomplishments at Tulsa University solidify his legacy in college football history?
Howard Twilley, Miami Dolphins Receiver on perfect 1972 Season, dies at 81
howard Twilley, a standout wide receiver who helped the Miami Dolphins achieve a perfect 1972 season and was a Heisman Trophy runner-up at the University of Tulsa, died Wednesday at the age of 81.
A Tulsa spokesperson announced Twilley’s death but did not disclose the location or cause.
During the Dolphins’ undefeated 1972 campaign, Twilley made a crucial touchdown catch in Super Bowl VII against the Washington Redskins, contributing to Miami’s 14-7 victory. he remained with the Dolphins for the following season, helping them win back-to-back Super Bowls.
Despite being undersized for a wide receiver at 5 feet 10 inches and 185 pounds, Twilley enjoyed a accomplished 11-year NFL career, solely with the Dolphins until 1976. He finished with 212 receptions for 3,064 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Twilley’s college career at tulsa was equally remarkable.He dominated the mid-1960s, a time when moast college teams primarily relied on ground attacks.He accumulated remarkable statistics, catching 261 passes for 3,343 yards and 32 touchdowns.
In 1965, Twilley finished as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, trailing only Southern california’s Mike Garrett.That season,he set NCAA records with 134 catches and 1,779 receiving yards,making him a dominant force on the college football scene.
His accomplishments at Tulsa earned him induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992, the Tulsa Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984, and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1995. His jersey number, 81, was retired by Tulsa, a testament to his enduring legacy at the university.
After retiring from football, Twilley owned and operated sporting goods stores in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas. He engaged in public life, considering a run for Congress in Oklahoma before supporting former Tulsa receiver Steve Largent’s successful campaign for the House of Representatives.
Q&A: Remembering Howard Twilley
**Q: What was Howard Twilley’s most meaningful contribution to the Miami Dolphins?**
**A:** Twilley played a crucial role in the Dolphins’ perfect 1972 season, securing a touchdown in Super Bowl VII against the Washington Redskins. This victory cemented the Dolphins’ place in NFL history as the only team to achieve a perfect season.
**Q: How did Twilley’s size affect his performance as a wide receiver?**
**A:** despite being shorter than the average wide receiver at 5 feet 10 inches, Twilley’s remarkable speed, agility, and hand-eye coordination allowed him to excel in the NFL.
**Q: what notable achievements did Twilley accomplish during his college career at Tulsa?**
**A:** Twilley was a dominant force in college football, setting NCAA records for receptions (134) and receiving yards (1,779) in 1965. This impressive performance earned him the Heisman Trophy runner-up spot that year.
**Q: How did Twilley contribute to the Tulsa community after his retirement from football?**
**A:** Twilley owned and operated sporting goods stores in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit. He also remained deeply involved in civic life, considering a run for congress and supporting Steve Largent’s successful campaign.
Howard twilley’s legacy extends beyond his impressive athletic achievements. his story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that determination and talent can overcome physical limitations and lead to lasting success.
