Canton, OH — A long-overdue honor has finally arrived for one of the most respected and underappreciated stars in NFL history. Chuck Howley, a cornerstone of the legendary Dallas Cowboys defenses of the 1960s and ’70s, has officially been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

At 87 years old, Howley becomes one of the oldest living inductees ever welcomed into Canton, and his enshrinement marks the celebration of a career filled with grit, leadership, and historic milestones.

Howley is perhaps best known for a unique distinction: being the only player in NFL history to be named Super Bowl MVP while playing for the losing team. In Super Bowl V, despite the Cowboys’ narrow 16–13 loss to the Baltimore Colts, Howley’s dominant performance — including two interceptions and relentless defensive presence — earned him the game’s highest individual honor.

“Chuck Howley was a player ahead of his time,” said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. “He was instinctive, athletic, and he never took a play off. His performance in Super Bowl V stands as one of the greatest defensive showings in NFL history.”

Howley didn’t have to wait long to taste redemption. The very next year, he helped lead Dallas to its first-ever Super Bowl title in Super Bowl VI, where the Cowboys defeated the Miami Dolphins 24–3. That championship cemented his legacy as one of the key architects of “America’s Team.”

Over the course of his 15-season career, 13 of which were with the Cowboys, Howley was selected to six Pro Bowls and named First-Team All-Pro five times. Known for his versatility, he played both linebacker and defensive end, using his speed and awareness to change games on a weekly basis.

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony was an emotional moment for the Howley family, as his son Scott accepted the honor on Chuck’s behalf, given the former linebacker’s ongoing battle with dementia. It was a poignant reminder of Howley’s impact not just on the field, but in the hearts of teammates and fans alike.

With his induction, Chuck Howley takes his rightful place among the NFL’s all-time greats — a legendary Cowboy whose toughness, excellence, and humility left a permanent mark on the game.