An undefeated member of the 1972 Dolphin Super Bowl team and an decorated college wide receiver died at the age of 81.
Howard Twilly, who caught a 28-yard touchdown pass in Miami's 14-7 victory over Washington in Super Bowl VII, died Wednesday. The cause of death was not announced.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Tulsa Football legend and Hall of Fame, Howard Twilly,” Tulsa said. Posted by soccer.
“Twilley was one of the greatest receivers in college football history and set up a number of NCAA records before challenging the NFL and winning two Super Bowls. Our hearts and sympathy is with Twilley's family and many of his friends.”
Twilley was a standout in Tulsa, running USC in the 1965 Heisman Trophy race and running Mike Garrett.
During that historic run, he set up NCAA records for reception (134) and reception yards (1779) in one season. He was selected for the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992. The second Golden Hurricane player was then honored.
Twilley became the first wide receiver to be drafted by the Extended Dolphins in the 1966 AFL draft. He was selected in the 12th round.
Miami hired head coach Don Shura after losing records in each of their first four seasons.
In Shura's first year, the Dolphins won 10 games and made the playoffs. The following year they won the AFC Championship.
“I remember when it was really something just to get it down first,” Twilley said. He told Sports Illustrated 1972.
Dolphins lost Super Bowl VI to the Cowboys, but cried out in 1972 when they were undefeated in the regular season.
“I remember when I was in seventh grade I had an Earl Moral soccer card,” Twilly said. Houston Chronicle 2017. “And I told myself, “I'm playing with this guy and he's a good friend.”
Gliese returned to the center and Twilly caught a touchdown for the first point against Washington at the end of the first quarter. Miami's victory held back the perfect 17-0 season for Dolphins.
In the case of the encore, the 1973 Dolphin was repeated as Super Bowl champions, beating the Vikings 24-7 in Super Bowl VIII.
Twilley played 11 years in the AFL and NFL before retiring after the 1976 season with over 3,000 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns.
He married his wife Julie in 1968 and had three children.
After the play day, Twilley worked in the footwear business and wealth management.
“We will not exchange experience catching passes in the Super Bowl for $10 or $20 million,” he said. I said it in 2017. “I might be, but I don't think I would.”
