If it were not for a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the latest Dallas Cowboy to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame would not have a new, sizeable sign honoring him in his native neighborhood.
That’s a fact, and it’s thanks to Sean Duffy, the director of the Adult Program and local history at the Ohio County Public Library. Duffy is a lifelong Steelers fan and still refers to his team’s nemesis-rival as the “Cryboys,” but a man named Chuck Howley was one of his childhood heroes, too. The former linebacker was elected to the Hall on February 9th and was formally enshrined on August 5th, and just yesterday – only 73 days later – City of Wheeling workers erected the signage along River Road.
It was Sean who addressed Mayor Glenn Elliott – a devoted Steelers fan, as well – and City Council about the sign, and about naming the athletic field at Garden Park in honor of the Super MVP. Now, when the Warwood Redbirds, or any other team, play ball, it will be on “Chuck Howley Field.”
Duffy’s appetite for local history is seldom satisfied, but when it comes to Howley’s career, he recognized many of his accomplishments may never be matched.
- He’s the only player who performed for the losing team in the Super Bowl that was named t game’s most valuable player.
- He was one of the original members of the Cowboy’s legendary “Dommsday Defense.”
- He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection.
- He’s the only student-athlete in WVU athletic history to letter in five sports
So, yes, a devout and dedicated Steelers fan has cheered for a Cowboy because the defensive player is now officially recognized as one of the greatest of all time, and, of course, because Howley is one of our own.
Why would a Steelers fan do anything nice for a Dallas Cowboy?
Yeah, it’s a fair point. As a child of the 70s who grew up with Camelot, the Cryboys were right there at the top (or the putrid, hellish bottom, if you will) of my football hate list with the Raiders and Browns. Yuck.
But Chuck Howley was from Warwood, like me. He played for Corpus Christi, like me. And my dad said he was a great linebacker like Jack Ham. So yeah, anything for Chuck. If he’d played for the Steelers, he’d be my favorite player ever. But Coach Landry picked up the phone. Buddy Parker didn’t.
And for Chuck to overcome the Cryboy stench and get me to take action – admirable.
What was Warwood like when Chuck Howley was raised in the neighborhood?
Warwood of the 1940s and 1950s was the idyllic all-American small town, with street fairs, soda fountains, corner groceries, and blue-collar families. It was the kind of place where you never bothered to lock your doors, sat on the porch most evenings listening to baseball on the radio, had barbecues with your neighbors, and played in the streets until your mom hollered for you to come home after dark.
In short, it was the same kind of place I grew up in thirty years later.
What is the biggest difference in the game of football between now and when Howley played the game?
The speed of the game is probably the biggest difference. Chuck was fast, but by today’s standards, well, not so fast. The players are bigger, yes. Stronger, yes. More athletic, yes.
But I can’t help thinking, despite all of that, players like Chuck and Jack Ham could still find a niche in today’s game just by virtue of their heart, intelligence, and competitive nature. Plus, Chuck was a diving and gymnastics champion. He was really a great all-around athlete.
Chuck could still be a star today. Maybe he’d be more of a specialist, but he could play.
How do you explain your passion for the history of the Wheeling area?
It’s just part of who I am. I love my hometowns (Warwood, Wheeling). The history of this area is relentlessly fascinating. I’m always “discovering” things I didn’t know. Did you know, for example, that Chuck Howley ran a laundry after retiring from football? Yep. He had a contract with the Cowboys to clean their uniforms. Then he bought a ranch.
This is a guy who bought a gas station in Wheeling when he thought injury had ended his football dreams. This dude was going to be a success, whatever he did. He just had that drive.
What’s the point? That’s Wheeling’s history as a whole – hard-working, driven people made this city. And we’re still here. I love researching Wheeling history.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned in your life?
Oh damn. Why do you have to hit me with a philosophical question at the end?
Ok. The greatest lesson I have learned is that you should be who you are. Don’t try to be what you aren’t because it pays better. Follow your passion. And play the lottery. You’ll flat-out do better and feel better.
How’s that?
