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Boyd Dowler

Boyd Dowler (born October 18, 1937) is a former professional who primarily played as a in the () for the from 1959 to 1969, where he was a key contributor to five championships and the team's victories in and . Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 224 pounds, Dowler was selected by the Packers in the third round of the out of the , where he had excelled as a multi-position athlete. Over his 12-season career, which also included a stint as a with the Redskins in , he recorded 474 receptions for 7,270 yards and 40 touchdowns, while also serving as a punter with a career average of 42.9 yards. Dowler earned two selections in 1965 and 1967, was named to the 's All-Decade Team for the , and was recognized as the Rookie of the Year in 1959. Dowler's college career at the from 1956 to 1958 showcased his versatility, as he led the Buffaloes in passing twice, receiving twice, interceptions twice, and punting for all three seasons, while also competing in events like the 120-yard high hurdles. A three-time All-Big Seven Conference selection and honorable mention All-American, he helped the team achieve a 20–9–2 record over three years, including an 8-2-1 mark in 1956 that culminated in an victory over Clemson. In the NFL, Dowler's tenure with the Packers under coach was marked by notable performances, such as catching an eight-yard pass in the known as the "Ice Bowl" and a 62-yard reception from quarterback in . With the Packers, he appeared in 150 games, accumulating 448 receptions for 6,918 yards at an average of 15.4 yards per catch. Following his playing days, Dowler transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant for 15 years across five teams from 1970 through the 1980s, including roles with the Redskins and , before spending over a decade as a scout for the and . His contributions to the sport were further honored with inductions into the Packers Hall of Fame in 1978 and the Athletics Hall of Fame in 1972, and in 2025 he was nominated as a senior candidate for the Class of 2026, reflecting his legacy as a reliable, multi-faceted talent in professional football.

Early years

Family background and upbringing

Boyd Dowler was born on October 18, 1937, in , a small mining town in the southwestern part of the state. His family soon relocated to , the state capital, where they settled into a modest, close-knit community that emphasized outdoor activities and community sports. This move was prompted by his father's professional opportunities, immersing the family in Wyoming's rugged, small-town environment that fostered resilience and physical activity from an early age. Dowler's father, Walter Ray Dowler, served as a high school history and former coach, roles that deeply shaped the household's culture around athletics. Walter had coached in Rock Springs before moving to , where he continued to influence local sports while teaching, providing his children with direct exposure to the strategies and discipline of the game. This paternal guidance instilled a strong and passion for competition in Dowler from childhood. The Dowler family placed a heavy emphasis on multi-sport participation, with Dowler and his brother growing up immersed in , , and activities in their Wyoming youth. , also an accomplished athlete, later became a successful wrestling coach at the , reflecting the family's shared commitment to sports excellence. This environment naturally progressed into structured high school athletics for Dowler.

High school athletics

Boyd Dowler attended in , where he graduated in 1955; the institution later became known as Cheyenne Central High School. During his high school years, Dowler emerged as a three-sport , excelling in , , and , which showcased his versatility and athletic prowess. His father's role as a coach at the school further immersed him in a competitive environment that honed his skills. In , Dowler served as the team's , leading the squad with his command of the offense and contributing significantly to the team's efforts. He also demonstrated receiving abilities, playing both positions to maximize his impact on the field. On the , Dowler was a key contributor, though specific statistical highlights from his tenure remain less documented compared to his other sports. His multifaceted involvement helped establish him as a standout local talent. Dowler's track achievements were particularly notable, where he specialized in hurdling events and won the Wyoming state championship in the high hurdles. He set a state record of 14.6 seconds in the 120-yard high hurdles, a mark that underscored his speed and agility and endured as a benchmark in Wyoming prep athletics. These accomplishments across sports built Dowler's reputation as a multi-talented , paving the way for his to the collegiate level.

College career

University of Colorado

Boyd Dowler enrolled at the in 1956, where he played for the Buffaloes from 1956 to 1958 under head coach Dal Ward. In Ward's single-wing offense, Dowler demonstrated versatility by serving as both a quarterback and an end, contributing on offense while also handling defensive and special teams duties. His multi-role demands built on the athletic versatility he developed in high school, allowing him to adapt quickly to the demands of the . Dowler's statistical output highlighted his impact across multiple facets of the game. He led the Big Seven Conference in receiving during the 1957 season with 26 receptions for 380 yards and two touchdowns. Over his career, he topped the Buffaloes in passing for two seasons and in receiving for two seasons, while also leading the team in punting all three years. Defensively, he paced the team in interceptions for two seasons, recording a total of 10 picks, including five as a senior. During Dowler's tenure, the Buffaloes achieved 20 victories across three seasons, showcasing a strong team performance. His freshman year contributed to an 8-2-1 record, culminating in a victory over Clemson in the 1957 . Beyond football, Dowler was active in campus life as a member of the fraternity. He also competed in , qualifying for the NCAA Championships in the 120-yard high hurdles as a senior.

Collegiate achievements

During his time at the University of Colorado, Boyd Dowler earned recognition as a three-time All-Big Seven Conference selection, highlighting his consistent excellence as a multi-position player in the single-wing offense. As a senior in 1958, he received honorable mention honors, capping a standout collegiate tenure that showcased his versatility across , , punter, and roles. Dowler's contributions extended to setting benchmarks in key statistical categories, including leading the Buffaloes in receiving twice and punting for three consecutive seasons. His punting prowess carried into the professional ranks, where he ranks third all-time among alumni in NFL punting average. These achievements underscored his reliability and athletic range, contributing to the program's 20 victories over his three seasons from 1956 to 1958. A pivotal part of Colorado's late-1950s resurgence, Dowler helped the Buffaloes secure an 8-2-1 record in 1956 and their first bowl victory in the 1957 , a 27-21 triumph over Clemson where he scored a and made a reception. His efforts were later honored with induction into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 1972, in recognition of his foundational impact on the university's football legacy.

Professional career

Green Bay Packers

Boyd Dowler was selected by the in the third round (25th overall) of the out of the . As a rookie under new head coach , Dowler immediately earned a starting role as a and punter, leading the team in receiving with 32 catches for 549 yards and four touchdowns while also handling punting duties. His performance that season earned him the NFL Rookie of the Year honors from . Dowler's tenure with the Packers featured several standout moments during the team's championship era. In the , known as the "Ice Bowl," he caught two passes from —an 8-yard score in the first quarter and a 46-yard in the second—helping Green Bay secure a 21-17 victory over the in sub-zero conditions. The following month, in against the , Dowler hauled in a pivotal 62-yard from Starr in the first quarter, contributing to the Packers' 33-14 win and their third consecutive NFL title. Over his 11 seasons with the Packers from 1959 to 1969, Dowler established himself as a reliable , amassing 448 receptions for 6,918 yards and 40 touchdowns while starting in all five of Lombardi's championship teams. He also served as the team's punter early in his career, posting a 42.9-yard average on 93 punts, including strong performances during the 1961 and 1962 championship seasons. Known for his consistency and multi-role contributions, Dowler was an underrated element of the Packers' dynasty, though he sat out the 1970 season before signing with another team.

Washington Redskins

After retiring from the following the 1969 season and sitting out the 1970 campaign, Boyd Dowler was acquired by the Washington Redskins on January 29, 1971, when the team traded a fifth-round draft pick to the for his rights, a move facilitated by new head coach George Allen, who had previously worked with Dowler during his time with the . At age 33, Dowler returned to the in a dual role as a and assistant coach under Allen, marking an early foray into while still contributing on the field. In 12 regular-season games for , Dowler recorded 26 receptions for 352 yards, providing veteran leadership and reliable depth to the receiving corps during a resurgent season that saw finish 9-4-1 and capture the title, their first division crown and playoff appearance since 1945. His steady presence helped stabilize the offense amid Allen's emphasis on veteran players, though the physical demands of the game at his age limited his output compared to his Packers prime. The 1971 season proved to be Dowler's final as a player, as the cumulative of 12 years—marked by injuries and the rigors of the position—led to his retirement from after Washington's divisional playoff loss to the . This transitional year not only closed his playing career but also introduced him to responsibilities, laying the groundwork for a subsequent 15-year tenure as an assistant.

Career statistics

Regular season

Boyd Dowler played 12 seasons in the , appearing in 162 regular-season games: 150 from 1959 to 1969 with the and 12 in 1971 with the Washington Redskins. Over his career, he recorded 474 receptions for 7,270 yards, averaging 15.3 yards per catch, and scored 40 receiving touchdowns. These totals reflect his role as a reliable , particularly in the Packers' offense under coach , where he contributed to a balanced passing attack. Dowler's production showed a clear evolution from his rookie year, when he caught 32 passes for 549 yards and 4 touchdowns in 12 games, to his veteran seasons marked by consistency and efficiency. Early in his career, he split time between receiving and punting, but as he matured, his focus shifted more toward duties, with punting limited to select years from 1960 to 1969. By the mid-1960s, he had become a key deep threat, leveraging his speed and route-running to stretch defenses. A breakdown by team highlights Dowler's dominance with the Packers, where he amassed 448 receptions for 6,918 yards and 40 touchdowns across 11 seasons. In contrast, his single season with yielded 26 receptions for 352 yards and no touchdowns in 12 games, serving as a brief coda to his career after sitting out 1970. Key seasons underscored his peak performance. In 1965, Dowler earned honors with 44 receptions for 610 yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging 13.9 yards per catch while playing a pivotal role in the Packers' league-leading offense. Other standout years included 1963, with 53 catches for 901 yards and 6 touchdowns (17.0 average), and 1967, when he posted 54 receptions for 836 yards and 4 scores (15.5 average), again making the . These campaigns exemplified his growth into a dependable target for . Dowler also handled punting duties sporadically, totaling 93 punts for 3,987 yards over his Packers tenure, with a career average of 42.9 yards per . His punting provided strategic field position advantages, particularly in close games, complementing his receiving prowess.

Postseason

Boyd Dowler appeared in 11 postseason games during his career, recording 30 receptions for 440 yards and five touchdowns, with 10 of those games coming during his tenure with the . His playoff contributions were instrumental in the Packers' run of five championships between 1961 and 1967, where he amassed 30 receptions for 440 yards and five touchdowns across 10 games. Dowler's postseason play with the Washington Redskins in 1971 was limited to one divisional playoff loss against the , in which he had no receptions. In the 1965 playoffs, Dowler helped the Packers secure their third championship in five years by catching 10 passes for 109 yards over two games, including a divisional win over the and the NFL Championship victory against the . The following year, during the 1966 postseason, he contributed three receptions for 49 yards and a in the NFL Championship Game against the , a 34–27 Packers victory that advanced them to , though he was held without a catch in the title game win over the . Dowler's most memorable playoff performance came in the , known as the "Ice Bowl," against the Cowboys at in -13°F conditions with a approaching -40°F. He caught four passes for 77 yards and two touchdowns, including an 8-yard score in the first quarter that helped Green Bay build a 14–0 lead en route to a 21–17 win and their fifth championship in seven seasons. Two weeks later in against the , Dowler added two receptions for 71 yards, highlighted by a pivotal 62-yard touchdown catch from in the first half that extended the Packers' lead to 13–0 in a 33–14 victory.

Awards and honors

Individual accolades

Boyd Dowler earned the NFL Rookie of the Year award in 1959 after leading the in receiving with 32 catches for 549 yards and four touchdowns during his debut season under coach . Dowler was selected to the twice, in 1965 and 1967, recognizing his standout performances as a during the Packers' dominant era. He was named to the 1960s All-Decade Team as a , honoring his contributions over the decade, including leading the Packers in receptions in seven of his 11 seasons with the team. Additional recognitions include selection to the Packers 50th Anniversary Team in 1969 and the Packers All-Modern Era Team in 1976, reflecting his enduring impact on the franchise. Dowler's consistency and big-play ability were hallmarks of his career, earning praise from coaches like Lombardi for his reliability in critical moments, such as his postseason performances where he amassed 30 receptions for 440 yards and five touchdowns across 10 games.

Team successes and hall of fames

Boyd Dowler played a pivotal role in the Green Bay Packers' dominant era under coach Vince Lombardi, contributing as a reliable wide receiver and punter to five NFL championships in 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, and 1967. His efforts helped secure victories in crucial games, including a touchdown reception in the 1961 NFL Championship Game against the New York Giants. Dowler's consistency on the field, leading the team in receptions multiple times during this period, supported the Packers' offensive strategy that emphasized precision and execution. The Packers' success extended to the early Super Bowl era, with Dowler participating in victories in following the 1966 season and after the 1967 season. In against the , he caught a 62-yard touchdown pass that helped establish an early lead in the 33-14 win. These triumphs solidified the Packers' dynasty, marking the first two Super Bowl championships in history and showcasing Dowler's ability to perform in high-stakes postseason environments. Dowler's contributions to these team achievements earned him inductions into several halls of fame. He was enshrined in the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1978, recognizing his 11 seasons with the team and role in their championship runs. In 1972, he was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame for his professional accomplishments, including the Packers' titles and his transition from college quarterback to star. Additionally, the inducted him into its Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012, honoring his foundational impact on the program's pipeline. He was also selected to the All-Decade Team for the , highlighting his era-defining team success. In 2025 retrospectives, Dowler has been celebrated for bridging Wyoming high school football, the University of Colorado, and the Packers' dynasty, as noted in a University of Colorado article emphasizing his path from Rock Springs, Wyoming, to NFL stardom. This recognition underscores his lasting legacy in fostering regional talent development and contributing to one of the NFL's most storied team eras.

Post-football life

Coaching and scouting roles

Following his playing career, Boyd Dowler transitioned into coaching, beginning as a player-coach with the Washington Redskins in 1971 under head coach George Allen, a role that allowed him to contribute on the field while assisting with offensive strategies. He remained with the Redskins in a full-time assistant capacity through the 1972 season, focusing on wide receiver development. Dowler then joined the as the passing game coordinator from 1973 to 1975, where he worked under head coach Mike McCormack and emphasized route-running techniques for wide receivers, notably mentoring Hall of Famer by adapting strategies to his 6-foot-8 frame. His tenure with the Eagles marked the start of a broader assistant coaching career spanning 15 years across five teams, including stints as wide receivers coach for the in 1970 (prior to his Redskins return), quarterbacks and wide receivers coach for the from 1976 to 1979, and wide receivers coach followed by quarterbacks coach for the from 1980 to 1984. Throughout these roles, Dowler drew on his own playing versatility as a deep-threat receiver and punt returner to guide quarterbacks and wideouts in precision passing concepts. After concluding his on-field coaching in 1984, Dowler shifted to scouting, spending over a decade evaluating talent for the and . He served as a for the Falcons for approximately 10 years, contributing to personnel decisions until his retirement in 2007. In 1992, Dowler was announced as head coach for the Tampa Bay Outlaws of the short-lived Professional Spring Football League, but the league folded before any games could be played.

Personal life and legacy

Boyd Dowler has been married to () Dowler since the early years of his professional career, and the couple has two children: a named Kristen and a son named . As of November 2025, Dowler remains alive at the age of 88, residing in Peachtree City, Georgia, with no major health issues reported in recent public accounts. Dowler's legacy endures as a celebrated Wyoming native from Cheyenne who bridged small-town roots with success at the University of Colorado and in the NFL, embodying the grit of the Cowboy State. A 2025 University of Colorado article highlights him as "Wyoming's Gift to Colorado Football and the NFL," praising his versatility as a multi-sport athlete who transitioned seamlessly from quarterback to wide receiver. Known for his humility and precision in executing every route with speed and sure hands despite his 6-foot-5 frame, Dowler is particularly remembered for his heroics in the 1967 NFL Championship Game, known as the Ice Bowl, where he caught two touchdown passes from Bart Starr to help secure Green Bay's victory. In community involvement, Dowler presented a golden football to his alma mater, Cheyenne Central High School, in 2015 to commemorate Super Bowl 50, addressing students and faculty about perseverance in sports. His journey from a Wyoming high school standout to NFL champion continues to inspire small-town athletes, demonstrating that determination can elevate regional talent to national prominence.

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