Earl Campbell, a name synonymous with power and dominance, left an indelible mark on the NFL, earning him the title of the most feared running back of all time. Born on March 29, 1955, in Tyler, Texas, Campbell grew up as one of 11 children. Raised in a financially struggling family, he and his siblings worked from a young age to help support the household. His father, Bert Campbell, worked two jobs to make ends meet, laboring in the Rose Fields by day and working at Kmart by night. Tragically, when Campbell was just 11 years old, his father passed away from a heart attack, changing the course of young Earl’s life.
A Football Journey Begins
Campbell’s introduction to football was as unexpected as his later rise to fame. He started as a kicker, far from the running back position that made him a household name. His early football days were shaped by his admiration for Dick Butkus, whose bow-legged running style he observed and emulated. Campbell played as a linebacker throughout junior high and part of high school, fully intending to pursue a career on defense. However, his high school coach, Corki Nelson, saw something special in him and switched him to running back during his junior year at John Tyler High School.
The transition to running back was not without challenges. Campbell struggled with ball handling and frequently fumbled early on. Despite this, his linebacker mentality and fearless approach to the game made him a formidable force on the field. By his senior year, his game came together in such a way that he became virtually unstoppable, leading his high school team to a 15-0 season and their first state championship in over 40 years. Campbell finished the season with 236 rushing yards per game and 29 touchdowns, a performance that earned him national recognition.
The Rise of the Tyler Rose
Nicknamed “The Tyler Rose,” Campbell’s reputation continued to grow as he entered college. Despite offers from several top football programs, he chose to attend the University of Texas, where he became one of the most dominant running backs in college football history. Inspired by watching footage of NFL legend Jim Brown, Campbell honed his power-back style, focusing on running through defenders rather than around them. In his freshman year, he rushed for 928 yards and earned the Southwest Conference Newcomer of the Year award. His sophomore season saw even greater success, with 1,118 yards and 13 touchdowns, establishing him as one of the nation’s top backs.
By his senior year, Campbell was unstoppable. He rushed for 1,744 yards and 18 touchdowns, leading the Longhorns to an undefeated regular season. His efforts culminated in winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy, the first in Texas Longhorns history. Over his four years in college, Campbell amassed an impressive 4,571 total yards and 41 touchdowns, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest college football players of all time.
Dominance in the NFL
Campbell’s success in college led to him being selected as the first overall pick by the Houston Oilers in the 1978 NFL Draft. From the moment he stepped onto the field, it was clear that Campbell was a force to be reckoned with. On his very first play as a professional, he took a screen pass 73 yards for a touchdown. His rookie season saw him rush for 1,450 yards, a record at the time, earning him Offensive Rookie of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, and Pro Bowl honors. In addition, he led the Oilers to the AFC Championship game, where they were eventually defeated by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Campbell’s dominance continued into his second and third seasons, where he led the league in rushing yards and touchdowns, winning back-to-back Offensive Player of the Year awards. In 1979, he added an NFL MVP award to his collection, becoming the first player in Oilers history to do so. Despite the Oilers’ struggles in the playoffs, Campbell continued to put up historic numbers, including rushing for 1,934 yards in 1980, the second-highest total ever at the time.
The Downfall and Legacy
Campbell’s career, though filled with individual success, was marred by the physical toll his playing style took on his body. By 1983, injuries began to catch up with him. He played two more seasons with the New Orleans Saints after being traded mid-season in 1984, before retiring in 1985. Despite his short career, Campbell’s impact on the game was immense. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001, recognized as one of the greatest power backs the NFL has ever seen.
Earl Campbell’s legacy is defined by his brutal, physical style of play, which struck fear into the hearts of defenders. His dominance in both college and professional football earned him numerous accolades and solidified his place among the sport’s greatest players. Even after retiring, his legend lives on as the standard by which all power backs are measured. Despite the toll it took on his body, Campbell’s toughness, determination, and sheer will to dominate will forever remain part of football lore.
