Coming to the Cowboys in a trade with the Chicago Bears in 1961 after once having given up on his NFL career, Chuck Howley became one of the greatest outside linebackers in Cowboys history and the only player to win Super Bowl MVP honors while on the losing team.
Howley's outstanding speed and agility enabled him to intercept 25 passes for 399 yards during his 14 seasons with the Cowboys while playing linebacker. He was selected to six Pro Bowls and earned six All-Pro selections in a row, enough to become the fourth player in franchise history inducted into the Ring of Honor (1976).
"Sometimes we allow certain people like Chuck or Bob Lilly to vary from our defensive pattern," late Cowboys head coach Tom Landry once said. "People like Chuck can often do this and get away with it because of their outstanding athletic ability."
Two years after being drafted by the Bears with a first-round pick in 1958, Howley retired from football because of a knee injury, and began working at a gas station. However, in the spring of 1961, Howley tested the knee in a West Virginia University alumni game and decided to try pro football again. The Cowboys were interested, and traded two future picks (1963) to acquire the rights to the one-time multi-sport star at West Virginia.
What a trade it turned out to be, Howley ending up playing 14 seasons for the Cowboys, tying him for the second longest tenure in franchise history. Howley would play in two NFL Championship games and two Super Bowls. He still holds the distinction of being a member of the Cowboys' first Super Bowl-winning team, winning Super Bowl VI over the Miami Dolphins, and having earned MVP honors in Super Bowl V despite losing the game to the Baltimore Colts.
Howley was a five-sport letterman at West Virginia, including the Southern Conference one-meter diving champion, a sprinter on the track team, and excelled in gymnastics and wrestling. In football, Howley was All-Southern Conference for three years and was named Southern Conference Athlete of the Year his junior year.
"I just hope I can be considered the best at my position," Howley said once said. "I gave what I could. You look back on life and think, was there more I could have done. I don't know that I could have."
Born June 28, 1936, in Wheeling, West Virginia.
As a football enthusiast and expert, it's clear that Chuck Howley's career is a testament to resilience, skill, and dedication. The evidence of his prowess lies in the remarkable achievements he accumulated during his time with the Dallas Cowboys. Let's delve into the key concepts and details outlined in the provided article:
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Background and Career Beginnings:
- Chuck Howley was traded to the Dallas Cowboys from the Chicago Bears in 1961, marking a pivotal moment in his NFL journey.
- After initially retiring from football in 1960 due to a knee injury, Howley made a comeback after testing his knee in a West Virginia University alumni game in 1961.
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Outstanding Achievements:
- Chuck Howley became one of the greatest outside linebackers in Cowboys history.
- Despite being on the losing team, he remains the only player to win Super Bowl MVP honors in Super Bowl V.
- Intercepted 25 passes for 399 yards during his 14 seasons with the Cowboys while playing as a linebacker.
- Selected to six Pro Bowls and earned six consecutive All-Pro selections.
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Athletic Ability and Style of Play:
- Late Cowboys head coach Tom Landry acknowledged Howley's ability to deviate from the defensive pattern due to his outstanding athletic skills.
- Highlighted Howley's exceptional speed and agility, which contributed to his success as an outside linebacker.
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Long and Impactful Career:
- Chuck Howley played 14 seasons for the Cowboys, tying him for the second-longest tenure in franchise history.
- Participated in two NFL Championship games and two Super Bowls, including the historic Super Bowl VI victory over the Miami Dolphins.
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Versatility and Multi-Sport Background:
- Howley was a five-sport letterman at West Virginia, showcasing his versatility in sports.
- His achievements include being the Southern Conference one-meter diving champion, a sprinter in track, and excelling in gymnastics and wrestling.
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Recognition and Honors:
- Chuck Howley was inducted into the Ring of Honor in 1976, becoming the fourth player in franchise history to receive this prestigious recognition.
- Despite losing Super Bowl V, Howley earned MVP honors, a testament to his individual excellence on the field.
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Personal Reflection:
- Howley expressed humility and a desire to be considered the best at his position, highlighting his dedication and personal standards.
- His words, "I just hope I can be considered the best at my position," reflect his commitment to excellence.
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Personal Details:
- Chuck Howley was born on June 28, 1936, in Wheeling, West Virginia.
In summary, Chuck Howley's impact on the Dallas Cowboys, his individual achievements, and his multi-sport background collectively contribute to a storied and impressive career in professional football.
