Born March 29, 1955, in Tyler, Texas, he grew up in a large family with ten siblings. Life wasn’t easy, but football became his way out. Campbell’s journey from a hardworking kid in East Texas to one of the most feared running backs in history is a story of power, grit, and determination.
Long before he became an NFL icon, Campbell was making headlines at John Tyler High School. As a senior in 1973, he led his team to a state championship, rushing for over 2,000 yards and proving he was destined for greatness. His incredible combination of speed, strength, and toughness made him one of the most sought-after high school players in the nation.
Image: TankedBevo of ShaggyBevo.com, Earl campbell shaggybevo, CC BY 2.5
From Tyler Rose to Texas Longhorn
While poverty challenged his large family in Tyler, Texas, Earl Campbell’s extraordinary football talent emerged early in life. As one of eleven children, he learned to overcome adversity, channeling his energy into becoming a dominant force on the football field at Tyler John Tyler High School.
Campbell’s high school accomplishments were nothing short of phenomenal. In his junior year alone, he averaged an astounding 11+ yards per carry while amassing 2,036 rushing yards. His explosive running style and natural athleticism caught the attention of college recruiters nationwide.
When it came to his recruitment decision, Campbell chose to stay in his home state, committing to the University of Texas. It’s a choice that would shape both his legacy and Texas football history for generations to come. Like many young men of his era who showed athletic promise in Texas, Campbell’s career path paralleled those who attended McKenzie’s school before the Civil War, where male students demonstrated remarkable talent and dedication.
Dominating College Football
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After establishing himself as a force in high school football, Earl Campbell took his explosive running style to new heights during his legendary 1977 season at the University of Texas. His power running game proved unstoppable as he rushed for an incredible 1,744 yards and scored 19 touchdowns, leading the nation in rushing and capturing college football’s most prestigious award – the Heisman Trophy.
Campbell’s impact on the Longhorns program was revolutionary. You’ll find his name etched in Texas football history not just for his exceptional senior season, but for his consistent excellence throughout his college career. As a four-time All-Conference selection and consensus All-American, he dominated the gridiron in ways few players ever have, cementing his legacy as one of college football’s greatest running backs. Like fellow Texas-born legend Emmitt Smith, Campbell’s exceptional balance and powerful running style would define his entire football career.
NFL Stardom
Earl Campbell’s dominance in college made him the obvious first overall pick for the Houston Oilers in 1978, and he didn’t disappoint. His game changing rookie season saw him rush for 1,450 yards, earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and setting the tone for what was to come.
You couldn’t find a more prolific running dominance than Campbell’s first few years with the Oilers. In his second season, he led the NFL with 1,697 yards and 19 touchdowns, claiming the league’s MVP award.
He followed that with an even more impressive 1980 campaign, setting a new record with 373 carries and amassing 1,934 rushing yards. Despite the physical toll of his punishing running style, Campbell’s impact continued through the early 1980s, earning five Pro Bowl selections in his first six seasons. His remarkable performance earned him first-team All-Pro honors in his first three NFL seasons.
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The Physical Price of Power Football
By his late 40s, you’d find Campbell struggling with chronic pain management, as his body bore the scars of his unrelenting playing style. The physical price he paid became evident through:
- Reliance on mobility aids like canes, walkers, and wheelchairs
- Development of debilitating conditions like arthritis and foot drop
- Battle with painkiller addiction in 2009
Campbell’s story serves as a powerful reminder of football’s lasting impact on players’ bodies. His trek from unstoppable force to struggling with basic mobility illustrates how the violent nature of power football can drastically alter a player’s post-career life. The introduction of the first flak jacket by Dan Pastorini to protect broken ribs would later become essential equipment for protecting players from similar devastating injuries.
Wrapping Up
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While Campbell’s body paid a hefty price for his bruising style of play, his legacy in Texas reaches far beyond the physical toll. You’ll find his impact woven into the fabric of Texas football history, from his 1983 induction into the state’s High School Football Hall of Fame to his continued involvement with the University of Texas program as a special assistant.
Campbell’s path from Tyler John Tyler High School, where he rushed for over 2,000 yards and won a state championship, to his Heisman Trophy at Texas and NFL stardom with the Houston Oilers, has inspired generations. Through his community involvement and philanthropic undertakings, he’s maintained deep roots in the state that helped shape him.
His retired #34 Oilers jersey symbolizes not just athletic excellence, but a lasting connection to Texas football culture.
