Earl Christian Campbell–March 29, 1955–Tyler, TX. Hence the nickname “The Tyler Rose” is best known as a bruising running back that went from the John Tyler High School to the University of Texas at Austin to the Houston Oilers (1978-1984) and New Orleans Saints (1984–1985) of the National Football League. Campbell was a rare running back who could carry the football 25 to 30 times a game.
Campbell was known for his powerful running style and his ability to focus on where the holes were for him to run through. On the other hand if there were no hole he would run over the would be tackler.
Earl’s football career came to an end playing his last game on December 22, 1985, when he was a member of the New Orleans Saints.
During his time as a football player Campbell racked up records and accolades. as a high school player he led his team to a Texas State title. In college the Texas Long Horns for the three years Campbell played were a force on the gridiron. In 1977 Campbell Campbell was awarded the Heisman as the most outstanding college player, becoming the University of Texas’ first winner of the award.
Campbell was chosen in the NFL draft as the first overall draft pick of 1978, selected by the Houston Oilers. The Houston team signed him to a six-year, $1.4 million contract.
Earl Campbell, also known as “The Tyler Rose,” had an illustrious career in the National Football League (NFL) primarily with the Houston Oilers and briefly with the New Orleans Saints. His career statistics are impressive, reflecting his dominant presence on the field:
Rushing Attempts: 2,187
Rushing Yards: 9,407
Rushing Touchdowns: 74
Receptions: 121
Receiving Yards: 806
Career Highlights and Achievements:
- NFL Rookie of the Year (1978): Earl Campbell made an immediate impact in his rookie season, earning this prestigious award.
- NFL MVP (1979): Campbell was recognized as the most valuable player in the league, showcasing his dominance and importance to his team.
- Pro Bowl Selections: He was selected to the Pro Bowl five times (1978-1981, 1983), reflecting his consistent performance as one of the top running backs in the league.
- First-Team All-Pro Selections: Campbell was named a First-Team All-Pro three times (1978-1980), highlighting his exceptional skills and contributions.
- Rushing Titles: He led the NFL in rushing yards for three consecutive years (1978-1980), solidifying his reputation as a powerhouse running back.
- Hall of Fame Induction: Earl Campbell was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991, an honor that recognizes his outstanding career and impact on the sport.
Conclusion:
Campbell’s legacy extends beyond his statistics. He is remembered as a player who gave everything on the field, often carrying the offensive load for his team. His contributions to the game have left an indelible mark, and he is celebrated as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.