Boyd Dowler: Wyoming’s Gift to Colorado Football and the NFL
September 15, 2025 | Football
BOULDER – When Colorado hosts Wyoming this week, it's worth remembering one of the greatest Buffaloes to ever come out of the Cowboy State—Boyd Dowler. A native of Cheyenne, Dowler carved out a legendary career at CU in the late 1950s before becoming one of the most accomplished professional players the program has ever produced.
A Versatile Star in Boulder
Dowler suited up for Colorado from 1956–58 and was a true do-it-all player. Though listed as a quarterback, back before the two-platoon system, that didn't always mean what it does today, and he left CU as one of the most accomplished receivers in the game.
While he did twice lead the Buffs in passing, he also led the Buffs in receiving in two separate seasons. An all-around player, he also led the Buffs twice in interceptions and was one of the best punters the program has produced, leading CU in punting three straight seasons.
His impact fueled 20 victories in three seasons, highlighted by the 1956 campaign when CU went 8-2-1 and capped the year with a win over Clemson in the Orange Bowl. He was a three-time All-Big Seven selection and earned honorable mention All-America honors.
From Boulder to Lombardi's Packers
The Green Bay Packers selected Dowler 25th overall in the 1959 NFL Draft, and he wasted no time making his mark, winning NFL Rookie of the Year that fall. Over the next 12 seasons, he became one of Vince Lombardi's most trusted playmakers during the Packers' dynasty years. Dowler helped Green Bay to five NFL Championships, including victories in the first two Super Bowls, and he remains second among CU players in NFL receiving yards—behind only Hall of Famer Cliff Branch.
Dowler also left his mark as a punter, still ranking third all-time among Buffs in the NFL in punting average. His consistency earned him two Pro Bowl nods, a spot on the NFL's 1960s All-Decade Team, and a reputation as one of the steadiest receivers of his era.
A Legacy Bridging Two Football Homes
For CU, Dowler stands as proof that Wyoming has given more to Buffaloes football than just a regional rivalry. His career bridges two football cultures: the small-town grit of the Cowboy State and the championship tradition of Boulder and beyond. This week, as the Buffs square off with Wyoming, Dowler's story is a reminder of the unique ties between the two programs—and the extraordinary talent that once traveled down from Cheyenne to make history in black and gold.
A Versatile Star in Boulder
Dowler suited up for Colorado from 1956–58 and was a true do-it-all player. Though listed as a quarterback, back before the two-platoon system, that didn't always mean what it does today, and he left CU as one of the most accomplished receivers in the game.
While he did twice lead the Buffs in passing, he also led the Buffs in receiving in two separate seasons. An all-around player, he also led the Buffs twice in interceptions and was one of the best punters the program has produced, leading CU in punting three straight seasons.
His impact fueled 20 victories in three seasons, highlighted by the 1956 campaign when CU went 8-2-1 and capped the year with a win over Clemson in the Orange Bowl. He was a three-time All-Big Seven selection and earned honorable mention All-America honors.
From Boulder to Lombardi's Packers
The Green Bay Packers selected Dowler 25th overall in the 1959 NFL Draft, and he wasted no time making his mark, winning NFL Rookie of the Year that fall. Over the next 12 seasons, he became one of Vince Lombardi's most trusted playmakers during the Packers' dynasty years. Dowler helped Green Bay to five NFL Championships, including victories in the first two Super Bowls, and he remains second among CU players in NFL receiving yards—behind only Hall of Famer Cliff Branch.
Dowler also left his mark as a punter, still ranking third all-time among Buffs in the NFL in punting average. His consistency earned him two Pro Bowl nods, a spot on the NFL's 1960s All-Decade Team, and a reputation as one of the steadiest receivers of his era.
A Legacy Bridging Two Football Homes
For CU, Dowler stands as proof that Wyoming has given more to Buffaloes football than just a regional rivalry. His career bridges two football cultures: the small-town grit of the Cowboy State and the championship tradition of Boulder and beyond. This week, as the Buffs square off with Wyoming, Dowler's story is a reminder of the unique ties between the two programs—and the extraordinary talent that once traveled down from Cheyenne to make history in black and gold.
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