Howard J. Twilley
Obituary
Howard J. Twilley (#81)
Howard Twilley passed away peacefully on the morning of February 5th, surrounded by family and friends, at the age of 81. He fought and won four battles with cancer before ultimately losing his final one, displaying the same resilience and determination that defined his life.
Born and raised in Galena Park, Texas, Howard was the beloved son of Bessie and Howard Sr. His love for football began in elementary school when he played on the literal “barefoot” team. At Galena Park High School, he excelled both academically and athletically playing on both offense and defense for a football team that advanced to the 4A State Championship.
Though he dreamed of playing at the University of Houston, Howard received only one football scholarship offer—from the University of Tulsa (TU). He accepted, setting in motion one of the most remarkable college football careers in history.
Upon arriving at TU in 1962, legendary coach Glenn Dobbs initially questioned his new recruit’s size and stature, greeting him with, “You’re Twilley? I guess you’ll do.” Howard’s work ethic quickly erased any doubts. He rewrote the record books, finishing his career with 261 receptions for 3,343 yards and 32 touchdowns. In 1964, he led the nation in scoring and receiving with 95 receptions, 1,178 yards, and 13 touchdowns, earning All-American honors.
His 1965 season was one for the ages. Howard led the nation in scoring with 261 points (16 touchdowns and 31 extra points) and topped the charts with 134 receptions and 1,779 receiving yards. Tulsa capped off the year in a Bluebonnet Bowl appearance, finishing 8-3. He was the Heisman Trophy runner-up to USC’s Mike Garrett and earned a long list of accolades, including consensus First Team All-American, UPI Lineman of the Year, and Academic All-American.
Drafted by both the Minnesota Vikings (NFL, 14th round) and the Miami Dolphins (AFL, 12th round), Howard chose the Dolphins—an expansion team in its inaugural season. While adjusting to life in professional football, he finished his degree at Tulsa during the offseason and married the love of his life, Julie Laudon.
Miami struggled in its early years, but that changed with the arrival of Coach Don Shula, an inspirational mentor in Howard’s life. Shula valued Howard’s reliability, toughness, and ability to catch and block—key components of the Dolphins’ success. Howard was a proud member of the legendary 1972 Dolphins team, the only team in NFL history to complete a perfect season (17-0). He scored the first touchdown in Super Bowl VII and played in three Super Bowls (VI, VII, VIII) over his 11-year career with Miami. He finished with 212 receptions, 3,064 yards, and 23 touchdowns, starting 82 of 123 games.
His legacy was cemented in Tulsa, where the University of Tulsa retired his jersey (#81), and he was inducted into multiple halls of fame, including: Tulsa Athletic Hall of Fame (1984), GTE Academic All-American Hall of Fame (1990), National College Football Foundation Hall of Fame (1992), Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (1995), and the Walter Camp Football Foundation All-Century Team (2001).
While still playing, Howard earned his MBA at the University of Miami, preparing for life after football. He and Julie moved back to Tulsa, where they raised their three sons. Howard entered the business world, purchasing a single Athlete’s Foot shoe store and growing it into a successful chain of 30 stores across Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas. After selling the business in 1990, he became a financial analyst for Merrill Lynch. He remained deeply involved in his community, serving on boards for Western National Bank, Goodwill Industries, The Salvation Army, and Metro Christian Academy, among others. “Coach Twilley” also gave his time as a volunteer football coach, inspiring young athletes, including his own children.
In 1994, he considered a run for U.S. Congress but instead chose to support his longtime friend and former TU teammate, Steve Largent. In retirement, Howard moved to Dallas to be closer to his sons and grandchildren.
Above all, Howard’s faith and love for people will be his most enduring legacy. His life changed profoundly after becoming a Christian during his early years in Miami, a transformation he fondly referred to as the moment of “After Jesus and Julie.” His faith guided his actions, and he loved sharing his testimony. He led Bible study groups, taught Sunday School, and spoke at Fellowship of Christian Athletes events, always eager to encourage others. His kindness was evident in the way he treated people, often telling strangers, “You have a great smile. You must know that God loves you.”
Howard was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Julie; three sons, Michael, Blaine, and Mark; and six grandchildren.
A memorial service celebrating Howard’s life will be held on February 28th at 2:00 PM at First Methodist Church, 1115 South Boulder Ave, Tulsa, OK 74119.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to First Methodist Church (tulsafmc.org), the Salvation Army (salvationarmyusa.org), or University of Tulsa Athletics (tulsahurricane.com).
Events
Tributes & Memories
I am so sorry about the passing of legendary football player and all-around wonderful person, Mr. Twilley. Julie had moved recently and only today did I put it together that there was a reason. My late parents loved Julie and Howard and their family so much. My mother had a shower before they got married. We saw that first touchdown on TV while watching the Superbowl. It was so nice. I am saddened. I know God must have needed a good player in Heaven.
Kathryn Hilliard
I just saw where Howard had passed away in February. I was sad to learn of his passing. I knew Howard and his wife doing service work at their residence in Tulsa. Howard was a genuinely nice guy, down to earth and always welcoming and respectful. We often had conversations about life in general family, etc. I count my time of knowing him a privilege and blessing.
Kell McClung
Howard Twilley was a Big Brother to my younger brother in Miami while playing for the Miami Dolphins. I could write a book about the kindness of this man off the field. Both he and his wife were good people. I will never forget watching & rooting for “sure hands Twilley”. RIP in the Hall of Fame in heaven servant of god 🙏
Diane Lawrence Hedges
I first met Howard and Julie after they moved into Lake Forest. From our first meeting I knew he loved the Lord and his family. But, he also loved football. He told me one time that he wasn't that big and couldn't run that fast, but he could swivel his ankle in such a way to fake a defender. Howard was a modest man and a hard worker. I often passed his house and he was planting pansies or tending his yard; never complaining, but always smiling and giving a waive. By his faith, I know Howard is now God's man celebrating eternal life with Jesus.
Bill Tolleson
I first met Mr. Twilley as an elementary school student. Mrs. Twilley was my teacher at Coral Park Elementary School. I have such wonderful memories in those years. Mrs. Twilley as I always called her introduced me to Mr. Twilley and visited him at training camp on multiple occasions. They left tickets for my family and I aways games in New York and Baltimore. I was having the time of life. I then attended the Bob Griese/ Karl Noonan camp, where I got to know Bob Griese, Larry Seiple, Karl Noonan, and Dick Anderson. I will always cherish these wonderful memories of my favorite teacher and Miami Dolphin. All my love and prayers to his family and friends, Michael Perez
Michael L Perez
Coach Bill McGonagle
Julian Carr: TU Class of '68 In the late summer of 1964 I walked on the TU practice field for the first time (very nervous) and after just one practice was in awe of Howard's determination and willingness to put forth what ever effort it took to succeed. I have many great memories of those days and feel blessed to have met Howard. Julie, we have you and your family in our prayers! Howard, Rest in Peace Julian
Julian Carr
Q: How did you meet Howard? A: As a 13 year old, I met Howard and his wife at The Villas Apt in South Miami. My parents were the Managers and Howard and quite a few other Dolphin greats chose The Villas as their home. Howard was always kind and had a smile for the kids that were awe struck by his presence. Thank you Howard for signing everything I put in front of you. Always a good word and always trying to inspire us. My little brother Tim and I will miss your presence on this earth. Godspeed. Thank you for the memories. GO FINS!!
Charles Volpe
I worked for Howard at Athlete’s Foot downtown in 1984 and later moved to the She Sports store at Woodland Hills. I remember him to have a sweet, gentle spirit and enjoyed my short time at the store. I even got to go on a buying trip to Dallas. Many years later I saw him at a TU homecoming game in a tent outside the stadium. I reminded him who I was. He was there with Jerry Rhome who I used to babysit for and Howard Waugh how was my father in law. All great players from TU. Peace to your family. Blythe Waugh
Blythe Waugh
Hey Howard! Jana White here. Class of '61. You made all of us GPHS'ers so proud. Not only with your accomplishments on the football field but in the manner in which you lived your life. You will be missed and remembered. Safe harbor my friend safe harbor.
Jana White
Rest in Peace, dear Howard. Julie, please know you are in our prayers. Both you and Howard are wonderful memories of mine when we all shared many fantastic times together at TU. Judy Wakefield Sanfilippo
Judith Sanfilippo
Julie is my Theta sister. Theta love to you Julie. I met Howard through Julie, but he was also my lab partner in chemistry class. I know he was a great football player, but neither he nor I were any good as chemists. Together we almost blew up the lab on more than one occasion, but he always took the blame.
Carol Seacat nee Lee
My daughter was the baby sitter for the Twilley’s three sons they lived a block from us on south Columbia she enjoyed being with them Blessings to the family Jeannie Alaback
Jeannie Alaback
The early 1970s on Marco Island: Howard, the late Rick Kelly and Bob Griese. Rest in Peace Howard. With love, Beth Kelly
Beth Kelly
Q: How did you meet Howard? A: I was a freshman wide receiver at Tulsa in 1970. Howard Twilley came back a couple times to work with us. It was like a Masters course in route running and catching a football. I met him several times in the last few years at TU Letterman events. Just the nicest guy. He was arguably the greatest College player ever at TU. I’m
Bob Campbell