Charles L. Howley

Charles “Chuck” Howley was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1989 and was named CPASS Outstanding Alumnus in 2000.

Born on June 28, 1936, in Wheeling, W.Va., Howley grew up in Warwood and attended Warwood High School. A standout multi-sport athlete, he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball and earned first team all-state honors in football as well as recognition in the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference.

Howley enrolled at West Virginia University in 1954, where he became one of the most accomplished athletes in school history. He is the only student-athlete to letter in five sports—football, wrestling, gymnastics, swimming, and track. As a football player, he earned All-America honors in 1957 and participated in several post-season all-star games. He played three years on the varsity squad, contributing as a center and guard while helping the Mountaineers compile a 21–8–1 record. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education.

Howley began his professional football career with the Chicago Bears but retired after two seasons due to a knee injury. In 1961, he made a successful comeback after being traded to the Dallas Cowboys, where head coach Tom Landry brought him in to strengthen the team’s defense. Over the next 13 years, he became a cornerstone of the “Doomsday Defense,” earning six All-Pro selections. In Super Bowl V, he was named Most Valuable Player—the only time the award has gone to a player on the losing team. He helped lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl VI victory the following year and retired from professional football in 1973.

Howley went on to run a successful business in the Dallas–Fort Worth area and later became involved in horse breeding and charitable work through a foundation at Happy Hollow.

His many honors include induction into the West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, WVU Athletics Hall of Fame, WVU Academy of Distinguished Alumni, Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Hall of Fame, the Wheeling Hall of Fame, and the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor. He also earned two NFC titles and five Eastern Conference championships during his professional football career.