Remembering Howard Twilley

Nowadays, this one a day before the 59th such, “ching-a ling” factors yields a more lasting memory of that tilt’s first touchdown scorer.

One such player, a truly legendary college receiver and fine one in “el” pros, Howard Twilley died yesterday at age 81, “el numero” he wore both with Tulsa University where he and quarterbacks Jerry Rhome and later Billy Anderson, performed “ahead of their time” pass play feats and the 2 time champion Miami Dolphins.

Though I think the ’73, one meaningful loss, Dolphins were even better than the undefeated ’72 team, the latter remains the only undefeated title winning team in the 92 year history of the N.FL. crowning champions in title games.

It was in the game for the championship, in that undefeated (17-0) ‘Phins ’72 season, that Howard Twilley made a great move on the fine then Wash defensive back, the diminutive, but so hard hitting and excellent, Pat Fischer, before Bob Griese hit him for the game’s opening score, as Miami doubled “Wash” (14-7) in that ’72 season Supe.

In college, teaming with Rhome and then Anderson in ’65 when he finished second to Mike Garrett of U.S.C. in Heisman Trophy balloting, Twilley set receiving records, his exploits echoing out to young fans such as me, in those better days of imagination and not every tilt shown, most needing pay.

Click above to view Howard Twilley taking in a Bob Griese touchdown pass to open the scoring in the Dolphins (14-7) win vs “Wash” that completed their (17-0) season with the NFL crown.

Three years earlier, the aforementioned Mike Garrett scored the first touchdown in the ’69 season Supe, doing so for the Chiefs in an eventual (23-7) victory.