As Super Bowl LIX approaches this Sunday, February 9, 2025, it’s an exciting time for football fans to reflect on the rich history of the game. For fans of West Virginia University (WVU), this occasion is particularly special as they celebrate the legacy of Mountaineer players who have achieved the ultimate success in professional football by winning Super Bowl championships. The connection between WVU and the NFL is undeniable, with a long history of former players making their mark on the sport’s biggest stage. As the sport continues to grow and evolve, these players’ accomplishments are honored not only for their athletic achievements but for their contributions to the enduring Mountaineer pride.
Chuck Howley: The First Super Bowl Champion from WVU
One of the most iconic names in WVU football history is Chuck Howley, a linebacker who went on to become the first former Mountaineer to win a Super Bowl championship. Howley’s journey to greatness is a testament to his skill, determination, and work ethic.
College Years at WVU:
Chuck Howley’s career at West Virginia University was one for the books. Born in 1936 in West Virginia, Howley was a local product who stood out even as a young player in high school. He eventually chose to stay close to home and play for WVU, where he quickly made an impression. Playing for the Mountaineers from 1954 to 1957, Howley was a dominant force on the field. He was known for his fierce play as a linebacker and his leadership abilities. During his time at WVU, Howley played in a period of transition for the Mountaineers. Although the team didn’t always have the national recognition it would gain in the decades to follow, Howley’s individual brilliance was undeniable. His ability to read plays and tackle effectively made him one of the best linebackers in the country.
Howley’s standout performances during his collegiate years helped establish him as one of the top prospects in the 1958 NFL Draft. He was selected in the first round by the Chicago Bears, but his professional football journey would take an unexpected and transformative turn.
Super Bowl Success with the Dallas Cowboys:
After spending a brief time with the Bears, Chuck Howley found his true home with the Dallas Cowboys. He joined the Cowboys in 1961 and became one of the cornerstones of their defense. Howley’s leadership, toughness, and football IQ were evident from the beginning, and it wasn’t long before he became one of the most respected linebackers in the NFL. His recognition as one of the league’s top defenders ultimately led him to the pinnacle of the sport: the Super Bowl.
Howley’s most famous achievement came in Super Bowl VI, played on January 16, 1972. The Dallas Cowboys squared off against the Miami Dolphins in what would become a history-making game. The Cowboys defeated the Dolphins 24-3, earning their first-ever Super Bowl victory. Chuck Howley played a pivotal role in this victory. His performance in Super Bowl VI was nothing short of spectacular. He was the standout player on a dominant Dallas defense, contributing a key interception that helped seal the victory for the Cowboys.
But perhaps even more remarkably, Howley was named the Super Bowl MVP, becoming the first—and still only—player from a losing team to earn this honor. While the Cowboys won the game, Howley’s incredible performance was widely recognized, showcasing his ability to elevate his game in the most high-pressure of situations. He was a true embodiment of the heart and soul of football.
In addition to his Super Bowl victory, Chuck Howley earned six Pro Bowl selections during his illustrious career, as well as a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977. His impact on the Cowboys and the NFL as a whole is still felt today, and he remains a beloved figure among West Virginia fans and the NFL community.
Legacy and Mountaineer Pride:
Chuck Howley’s success in the NFL and his achievements in Super Bowl VI are a source of immense pride for West Virginia University. He was not only the first former Mountaineer to win a Super Bowl but also set the stage for future players from WVU to follow in his footsteps. Howley’s journey from Morgantown to the NFL serves as an inspiration to current and future Mountaineer athletes, showing them that hard work, dedication, and belief in oneself can lead to greatness.
As we approach Super Bowl LIX, Chuck Howley’s legacy continues to shine brightly. His Super Bowl victory and MVP honor stand as a testament to the potential of WVU players to reach the highest level of success in professional football. Howley remains a proud representative of West Virginia University, and his name is forever etched in the history of the Super Bowl and the NFL.
Other WVU Players Who Reached Super Bowl Glory
While Chuck Howley’s accomplishment stands out as the first, he is not the only Mountaineer to make a significant impact on the Super Bowl. Over the years, other WVU football players have achieved Super Bowl success, contributing to the legacy of WVU football in the professional ranks. Let’s take a look at some of these other distinguished Mountaineers who reached the pinnacle of professional football:
1. **Major Harris**: Although Major Harris never made it to the Super Bowl as a player, his iconic college career at WVU remains legendary. His performances in the 1988 Sugar Bowl and his Heisman consideration solidified him as one of the all-time greats in Mountaineer history. Harris’ influence on the program set the stage for WVU’s continued success on the national stage.
2. **Tavon Austin**: A dynamic playmaker during his time at WVU, Tavon Austin became a first-round pick of the St. Louis Rams in 2013. Though Austin has not yet appeared in a Super Bowl, his impact on the NFL and his time as a standout returner and wide receiver for the Rams remains noteworthy.
3. **Will Grier**: Will Grier’s career at WVU came during a period of growth for the Mountaineers, and while he did not win a Super Bowl, his time at WVU earned him recognition as a top quarterback in the college ranks. His time at WVU helped put the Mountaineers back in national conversation.
While each of these players brought their unique flair to the NFL, Chuck Howley’s legacy remains the most prominent when it comes to Super Bowl success.
As we look forward to Super Bowl LIX this Sunday, February 9, 2025, the occasion serves as a fitting time to reflect on the incredible achievements of former WVU football players who have reached the pinnacle of professional football. Chuck Howley’s Super Bowl VI victory and MVP award remain a high point in WVU’s football history and a lasting source of pride for Mountaineer fans. His legacy has paved the way for future Mountaineer players to follow in his footsteps, and his influence can be felt throughout the history of the NFL.
As we cheer on our favorite teams during this year’s Super Bowl, let’s take a moment to honor the Mountaineers who have made history in the grandest game of them all. And, as Super Bowl LIX unfolds, we can look forward to seeing more of WVU’s finest football players leave their mark on the game, just as Chuck Howley did more than half a century ago. The legacy of Mountaineer football continues to grow, and the road to the Super Bowl remains an exciting journey for future WVU athletes.
