Howard Twilley, a prominent Miami Dolphins receiver who contributed to the team’s flawless 1972 season, has passed away at the age of 81.
He died on Wednesday, a representative from Tulsa announced, confirming the information with his family. The circumstances surrounding his death have not been disclosed.
During his time with the Dolphins, Twilley caught a touchdown pass in Super Bowl VII against the Washington Redskins, helping secure a 14-7 victory and solidifying Miami’s remarkable 17-0 season.
He also played with the team as they continued their success the following season, resulting in back-to-back Super Bowl titles. Over an 11-year professional career that concluded in 1976, Twilley logged 212 receptions, totaling 3,064 yards and 23 touchdown catches.
At the University of Tulsa, Twilley showcased impressive statistics in the mid-1960s, a period when most teams favored running plays over passing.
He recorded 261 receptions for 3,343 yards and 32 touchdowns during his college career, a remarkable feat that kept his school record for career receiving yards intact until it was surpassed by Keylon Stokes in 2022.
Twilley was a standout in 1965, finishing as a runner-up for the prestigious Heisman Trophy to Mike Garrett of Southern California.
That season, he set NCAA records with 134 catches for 1,779 yards, records that endured for over 20 years. Notable performances included five touchdown catches in a single game against Louisville and feats of 267 yards on 16 catches against Memphis, as well as other prolific outings against Southern Illinois, Cincinnati, and Colorado State.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Twilley served as captain of the Academic All-America team in 1965 and was named MVP of the 1966 Senior Bowl.
Selected by Minnesota in the 14th round of the 1966 NFL Draft and by Miami in the 12th round of the AFL Draft, Twilley opted to join the Dolphins, the league’s expansion team, and dedicated his entire professional career to them.
Post-retirement, Twilley ventured into business, owning and running sporting goods stores across Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas.
He contemplated entering the political arena by running for Congress in 1994 in Oklahoma but ultimately chose to support fellow former Tulsa receiver, Steve Largent, instead.
Twilley’s legacy is celebrated as he was inducted into several prestigious halls of fame, including the Tulsa Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984, the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992, and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1995.
Notably, the University of Tulsa retired his No. 81 jersey, honoring his contributions to college football.
