6. Chuck Howley

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6. Chuck Howley
There is a significant case to be made that the most disrespected player on this list is Chuck Howley.  We don’t feel that way because he has not been inducted; we feel that we because he has never made the ballot!

Chuck Howley has the credentials for the Hall of Fame.  He was a six-time Pro Bowler and was a First Team All-Pro five times.  Howley was a big game player and even in the Super Bowl V defeat, he won the MVP of the game.  To this day, Howley remains the only player on a losing team to win that award.  Howley’s play was good enough to win the Super Bowl MVP in Dallas’s win but he was edged out by Roger Staubach.  The Dallas defense was loaded those years, but Howley was certainly a great contributor to that.  Legendary coach Tom Landry called Howley the greatest linebacker he ever had, and he was the fourth player in the Cowboys Ring of Honor.

How Chuck Howley has never made a ballot is anyone’s guess.  He is now only eligible as a Senior Candidate.  Hopefully, he will get the respect outside of Dallas that has eluded him so far.


Should Chuck Howley be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 94.3%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 2.9%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0.8%
No opinion. - 0.4%
No way! - 1.6%

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Monday, 01 January 1979
  • Position: Linebacker
  • Played For: Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys
  • College: West Virginia
  • Drafted: 1st Round, 7th Overall in 1958
  • Major Accolades and Awards: Super Bowl MVP (Super Bowl V)
    Pro Bowl Selections (6) (1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1979 & 1971)
    First Team All-Pro Selection (5) (1966, 1967, 1968, 1969 & 1970)
    Most Fumble Recovery Yards (1) (1966)
    Super Bowl Ring (1) (Dallas Cowboys, Super Bowl VI)
  • Other Points of Note: Top Ten Finishes: Approximate Value (2) (1968 & 1970)
    Top Ten Finishes: Fumble Recovery Yards (3) (1965, 1966 & 1970)
    Top Ten Finishes: Interceptions (1) (1968)
    Top Ten Finishes: Interception Return Yards (2) (1968 & 1971)
  • Notable All Time Rankings: 7.  Fumble Recovery Yards: 191
  • Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: Never

Should Chuck Howley be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 94.3%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 2.9%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0.8%
No opinion. - 0.4%
No way! - 1.6%
Last modified on Monday, 02 March 2020 16:24
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More in this category: « 5. Randy Gradishar 7. Roger Craig »

Comments   

+7 #3 Adam 2015-11-27 18:49
Howley should be a no brainer. He was too great for too long not to be in the HOF. He was an innovative player who changed defenses to a degree by his versatility.
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-1 #2 Bill Baker 2015-08-18 00:44
Chuck Howley is one of my favorite Cowboys. I have been a fan since they came into the league.
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+7 #1 Rasputin 2014-06-14 19:26
Good choice. It's also worth noting that Howley was the first defensive SB MVP, is in the exclusive 20/20 sack/interce ption club, and was probably the first true weak side LB, since Landry seems to have invented the concept in the mid 1960s.
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