Piano Prodigy Jude Kofie to Headline Project Harmony’s 30th Anniversary Gala
2 days ago
United States Chuck Howley is a decorated former NFL linebacker for the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys, known for his exceptional defensive play and historic Super Bowl MVP performance.
Howley was selected seventh overall in the 1958 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears, playing for two seasons before retiring after a knee injury. He was the 7th overall pick in the 1958 NFL Draft.
The Dallas Cowboys acquired Howley's rights from the Bears in 1961. He played 165 games over thirteen seasons with the Cowboys, earning Super Bowl V MVP and Super Bowl VI champion.
Howley accepted a football scholarship from West Virginia University. He was a three-time All-Southern Conference selection and the conference player of the year in 1957. He is the only athlete in school history to letter in five sports: football, track, wrestling, gymnastics, and swimming.
Following retirement, Howley founded Happy Hollow Ranch, a cattle and quarter horse operation near Wills Point, Texas.
Charles Louis Howley was born on June 28, 1936, in Wheeling, West Virginia. He distinguished himself as a multi-sport athlete at Warwood High School, lettering in football, basketball, and baseball. His athletic prowess continued at West Virginia University, where he earned letters in five varsity sports: football, track, wrestling, gymnastics, and swimming. During his college football career from 1954-1957, Howley played guard and center, contributing to a 21-8-1 record and earning three All-Southern Conference selections, including Conference Player of the Year in 1957.
Howley began his professional football career when he was drafted seventh overall by the Chicago Bears in the 1958 NFL Draft. He played for two seasons with the Bears before a debilitating knee injury in August 1959 led him to an early retirement, missing the entire 1960 season. Driven by his passion for the sport, Howley decided to attempt a comeback in 1961 after testing his knee in an alumni game. The Dallas Cowboys acquired his rights from the Bears, a decision that would prove pivotal for both Howley and the franchise. He anchored the outside linebacker position for 176 games, missing only four regular-season contests from 1961 to 1972, a testament to his durability and dedication.
Throughout his career with the Dallas Cowboys, Howley became a cornerstone of their “Doomsday Defense,” earning numerous accolades including five first-team All-Pro selections, six consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1966 to 1971, and induction into the Cowboys Ring of Honor in 1977. One of his most significant achievements occurred in Super Bowl V (1971), where he was named the Most Valuable Player despite his team’s 16-13 loss to the Baltimore Colts, making him the only player from a losing team to receive this honor. The following season, he contributed to the Cowboys’ Super Bowl VI victory over the Miami Dolphins. Howley retired in 1973 after 15 seasons, accumulating 25 interceptions, 26 sacks, and 18 fumble recoveries. He was formally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
