Howard Twilley died at age 81, according to his alma mater, the University of Tulsa. No cause of death was given.
Twilley was runner-up for the Heisman Trophy during his time at Tulsa before he was picked by the Dolphins in the 12th round of the 1966 AFL draft. While he was also selected in 14th round of the NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings, Twilley chose Miami where he spent his entire 11-year professional career.
He recorded 212 receptions, 3,064 yards, and 23 touchdowns in regular season play with the Dolphins, along with another 13 receptions for 186 yards and a touchdown in the playoffs. His sole postseason touchdown was a 28-yard reception in the first quarter of Super Bowl VII, which Miami won 14-7 to cap its undefeated 1972 season.
RIP Howard Twilley🙏🕯️
Original Miami Dolphin
The dependable #Dolphins receiver played 11 seasons in Miami from the franchise’s inception in 1966.
He scored the #GoFins‘ first touchdown in Super Bowl VII.
Two-time Super Bowl champion and member of the ’72 Perfect Season team pic.twitter.com/0tECf5trqd
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) February 7, 2025
Twilley is one of only two players, along with offensive tackle Norm Evans, who played on both the inaugural 1966 Dolphins team as well as the undefeated team in 1972.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Twilley is the 23rd member of the 1972 team who has passed.
