Howard Twilley was a wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins for 11 seasons, including the team’s 1972 perfect season.
- Died: February 5, 2025 (Who else died on February 5?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 81.
- We invite you to share condolences for Howard Twilley in our Guest Book.
Howard Twilley’s legacy
Before Twilley made his way to the Dolphins’ record-breaking year, he had a stellar college football career at the University of Tulsa. His biggest year there was 1965, when he set two NCAA records – for the most receiving yards and most receptions in a season. He received a unanimous All-American vote that year, and he was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. The Tulsa Golden Hurricane later retired his No. 81 jersey; he was inducted into the university’s athletic hall of fame in 1984 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992.
Fresh out of college in the era before the NFL-AFL merger, Twilley was chosen by the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings and the AFL’s Dolphins in the 1966 draft. He signed with the Dolphins, joining their inaugural team. He was one of only two players from that 1966 squad who were still around for the Dolphins’ 1972 glory. He helped the team start strong in Super Bowl VII by catching a touchdown pass in the first quarter, putting the Dolphins on the scoreboard.
Twilley remained with the Dolphins for his entire football career, retiring in 1976. He went on to a career in business, first owning a string of The Athlete’s Foot sporting goods stores. He sold the 28 stores in 1990 and later worked as a financial advisor.
Tributes to Howard Twilley
Full obituary: Miami Herald
