HOFPlayers.com

EARL CAMPBELL

his story | the facts | merchandise

Nicknamed the Tyler Rose, Earl Campbell, was one of the most heralded collegians to enter the ranks of professional football. In four seasons at the University of Texas he rushed for 4,444 yards and was named to the All-Southwest Conference team four times. In 1977 he was the winner of the Heisman Trophy and the first person in the 20th century to be designated as a Texas legend by the state legislature.

The Houston Oilers coveted his abilities so heavily that they would trade four high round draft picks and one tight end to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the privilege of drafting Earl Campbell #1 in 1978. He was a home state hero that the Oilers just had to have.

The Oiler organization regarded him not only as a special football player but also one who could provide a positive spin on the team's image on and off the field. As it turned out Earl Campbell helped turn the Oilers into a playoff team and championship contenders.

Earl Campbell's elite status as an athlete had a very humble beginning. Born in to the family of Ann and B.C. (Bert) Campbell, his father died when Earl was in the sixth grade. His mother cared for her seven sons and four daughters by tending their 100 acre rose field and by working as a maid several days a week. Their home was a shack along a blacktop county road between a junkyard and a peach orchard. When Earl was being recruited by visiting Texas head coach, Darrell Royal, story has it that he tried to apologize for the frayed furniture in his home. Royal replied softly: "I grew up in a shack, Earl, I know what it is like."

By the time he entered Tyler High School, Earl had begun to smoke, drink and hustle at the local pool hall. He was even suspended from the last game of his junior year for cutting classes. Ann Campbell had always reminded Earl that he had the ability to play professional football and that the career could be lucrative. With her encouragement and parental sternness Earl took his senior year in high school much more seriously. In fact he led his undefeated Tyler Lions to an undefeated Texas State 4A championship.

The colleges heavily recruited Campbell. Earl decided to let God help make the choice. If he slept through out the next night he would go to Oklahoma. If his sleep was disturbed at any time, he would view God's way of gelling him he should choose Texas. Earl awakened at least once and so was on his way to Texas to become the first member of his family to earn a college degree. He majored in speech communications.

When the pro football draft was eminent, Earl Campbell wanted to stay in Texas. He also promised his mother that if everything worked out, he would build her a new home. After signing with the Houston Oilers, Earl followed through. On Easter Sunday after his rookie season, Ann Campbell moved into a four bedroom, brick ranch-style house with a paved semicircular driveway and a two-car garage.

Campbell made an immediate and significant impact on the Houston Oilers. He was a game breaker, big-play threat, short yardage ramrod and even pass catcher at times. On 54 occasions with less than three yards needed for a first down during his rookie season, Earl Campbell converted 37 times for a .685 success percentage.

Earl was more than just a runner. He was punishing and illusively quick as well. What impressed many coaches was his ability to block, fake and pass protect. Coach Bum Phillips once said: "He's a good run-blocker too. He's got absolutely no regard for his body or anybody else's body."

Trade rumors involving Campbell began during the 1982 season after his mentor and coach Bum Phillips was suddenly fired and a new set of coaches and game plans were put in place. Despite the changes, Earl continued to contribute to the Oilers through his 1983 Pro Bowl season.

The Oilers expected big things from Earl in 1984, as he would be teaming up with new quarterback Warren Moon. But, Earl suffered a serious knee injury in pre-season and when the Oilers lost their first six games, they traded Campbell to the New Orleans Saints for a No. 1 draft pick in 1985.

Saints head coach Phillips was pleased but Earl was forced to share the running back duties with another outstanding rusher, George Rogers. Coach Phillips retired with four games left in the 1985 season and Earl Campbell, perhaps the most punishing running back in NFL history followed him into retirement after two pre-season games the next summer.

In just nine seasons, Campbell rushed for 9,407 yards, caught 121 passes for 806 yards and scored 444 points on 74 touchdowns. He averaged 1,175 rushing yards a year, an average surpassed by only three other ball carriers in NFL history.

A shy and reserved individual who believed in giving credit to those who surrounded him all those years, Earl Campbell said at his retirement: "I'm just a guy who believes if you work hard enough some rewards will come your way." In 1990 Earl Campbell was elected to membership in the National football Foundation Hall of Fame and in 1991 the Pro Football Hall of Fame.