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13. Chuck Howley

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13. Chuck Howley

Perhaps one of the biggest snubs of the Pro Football Hall of Fame is Chuck Howley, though the beginning of his pro career did not make anyone think of greatness.  

The promise was there, as the Chicago Bears drafted him seventh overall in 1958, but he had two lackluster years that were plagued with knee problems.  The Linebacker did not even play in 1960, and it was speculated that he would retire, but that he was dealt to Dallas, where his career took a 180.

Howley did well in his first two years, and after he moved to the weakside position, his play took off.  From 1965 to 1971, he was chosen for six of a possible seven Pro Bowls, and he was a First Team All-Pro annually from 1966 to 1970.  In Super Bowl V, Howley was incredible with two picks and a forced fumble, but Dallas lost.  For his efforts, Howley was named the MVP of Super Bowl V.  That may have been bittersweet, but Howley and the Cowboys would win Super Bowl VI.  He would retire in 1973, and over his Cowboys career, he would have 24 Interceptions with 17 Fumble Recoveries. 

Howley entered the Cowboys Ring of Honor in 1977.

The Bullet Points

  • Position: Linebacker
  • Acquired: Traded from the Chicago Bears for the 1963 2nd Round and 9th Round Pick (which would be Steve Barnett and Monte Day respectively) before the 1961 Season.
  • Departed: Retired after the 1973 Season.
  • Games Played: 166
  • Notable Statistics:

    123 Games Started
    24 Interceptions
    395 Interception Return Yards
    2 Interception Return Touchdowns
    26 QUarterback Sacks*
    17 Fumble Recoveries
    191 Fumble Recovery Yards
    1 Fumble Recovery Touchdown
    121 Approximate Value

    11 Playoff Games
    4 Interceptions
    89 Interception Return Yards
    2 Fumble Recoveries
    44 Fumble Recovery Yards
    1 Fumble Recovery Touchdown
    1.5 Quarterback Sacks

    *Sacks were unofficially calculated by Pro Football Reference from 1960 to 1981.

  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    Super Bowl Champion (VI)
    Super Bowl MVP (V)
    First Team All-Pro (1966, 1967, 1968, 1969 & 1970)
    Pro Bowl (1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969 & 1971)
    Most Fumble Recovery Yards (1966)

Last modified on Saturday, 15 July 2023 21:14

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