The unexpected death of Howard Twilley, a prominent receiver for the Miami Dolphins during the team’s perfect 1972 season and a Heisman Trophy runner-up at the University of Tulsa, has sent shockwaves through the football community. Twilley, who was 81 years old, passed away on Wednesday, as confirmed by a Tulsa spokesperson who relayed the news on behalf of his grieving family. Despite the announcement, no specific cause of death was disclosed.
Twilley etched his name in football history with his remarkable performance, including catching a pivotal touchdown pass in Super Bowl 7 against the Washington Redskins, contributing to Miami’s triumphant 14-7 victory that solidified their flawless 17-0 season record. His on-field prowess extended to the following season when he played a crucial role in the Dolphins clinching back-to-back Super Bowl titles. Over his esteemed 11-year professional career, which concluded in 1976, Twilley amassed an impressive 212 receptions, 3,064 yards, and 23 touchdowns.
During his time at Tulsa in the mid-1960s, Twilley showcased exceptional talent in an era dominated by ground-based strategies. His record-breaking statistics, which included 261 receptions, 3,343 yards, and 32 touchdowns, set him apart as a standout player. Notably, Twilley’s record for career receiving yards remained unbroken until Keylon Stokes surpassed it in 2022. His outstanding performance in 1965 earned him the title of Heisman runner-up to Southern California’s Mike Garrett, with Twilley setting NCAA records with 134 catches for 1,779 yards that season, records that stood for over two decades.
Twilley’s accomplishments were not limited to the field, as he was honored as the captain of the Academic All-America team in 1965 and recognized as the MVP of the 1966 Senior Bowl. Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 14th round of the 1966 NFL draft and later picked by Miami in the 12th round of the AFL draft, Twilley opted to join the Dolphins, a nascent franchise at the time, and remained loyal to the team throughout his professional career.
Post-retirement, Twilley transitioned into entrepreneurship, owning and operating sporting goods stores across Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas. He briefly contemplated a political career, considering a run for Congress in Oklahoma in 1994 before throwing his support behind former Tulsa receiver, Steve Largent. Recognizing his indelible mark on the sport, Twilley was inducted 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, with Tulsa retiring his iconic No. 81 jersey in his honor.
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