The Rise of Earl Campbell: From High School to College Football
Earl Campbell, known as “The Tyler Rose,” is one of the most iconic figures in the history of American football. Born and raised in Tyler, Texas, Campbell’s journey from a small-town hero to an NFL Hall of Famer is a story of grit, determination, and unparalleled talent. In this article, we dive deep into Earl Campbell’s life and career, examining his early beginnings, triumphant college years, dominant presence in the NFL, and the enduring impact he left behind.
Earl Campbell’s story begins in the heart of Texas, where he was born on March 29, 1955. Growing up in a modest household, Campbell was the sixth of eleven children. Despite the challenges that came with a large family, his parents instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance from an early age. These values would shape his character and fuel his drive to succeed in the years to come.
As a child, Earl Campbell discovered his love for football while playing with his friends in Tyler. His natural athleticism and raw talent quickly caught the attention of his peers and coaches. It was clear that he had a special gift, and it wasn’t long before he became a local legend in his hometown.
Earl Campbell’s talent continued to shine throughout his high school years at John Tyler High School. He dominated on the football field, earning numerous accolades and setting records. His powerful running style and ability to break tackles made him virtually unstoppable. It was during this time that he earned the nickname “The Tyler Rose,” a fitting tribute to his roots and the impact he had on his community.
In his senior year of 1973, Earl Campbell’s performance on the football field reached extraordinary heights. After already showcasing his talent by averaging over 11 yards per carry as a junior, he took his game to a whole new level. With sheer determination and an unparalleled skill set, Campbell became an unstoppable force for John Tyler High School. Throughout their 15-0 journey to the Class 4A state championship, he showcased his exceptional abilities, hammering out an astonishing 2,036 yards.
After graduating from high school, Earl Campbell received numerous scholarship offers from top college football programs across the country. Ultimately, he chose to stay close to home and attend the University of Texas at Austin. This decision would prove to be a turning point in his career.
Earl Campbell’s exceptional talents continued to shine during his college years, leaving a lasting impression. He rose to become the star of the Texas Longhorns football program, leading them to numerous victories. In his senior year of 1977, Campbell dominated the field, leading the nation in rushing with an impressive 1,744 yards and 19 touchdowns.
The Longhorns had a flawless regular season and clinched the Southwest Conference Championship. However, their hopes of a national championship were crushed when they faced the formidable Notre Dame team, ranked fifth at the time. Despite Earl Campbell’s remarkable performance of 116 yards on 29 carries, Notre Dame emerged victorious with a score of 38-10, ultimately claiming the coveted national championship title. Campbell’s exceptional skills were recognized, and he was awarded the prestigious Heisman Trophy at the end of the season.
Earl Campbell College Stats
Rushing Attempts: 765
Rushing Yards: 4443
Rushing Yards per Attempt: 5.8
Rushing Touchdowns: 40
Receptions: 6
Receiving Yards: 128
Receiving Touchdowns: 1
Awards
1977 Heisman Memorial Trophy
Earl Campbell’s Dominance in the NFL
After an illustrious college career, Earl Campbell was ready to take the next step and make his mark in the National Football League (NFL). The year was 1978, and Campbell’s exceptional talent had caught the attention of scouts and fans alike. It was no surprise when he was selected as the first overall pick in the NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers.
The transition from college to professional football can be a daunting one for many players, but Earl Campbell seemed to take it all in stride. He was determined to prove himself on the biggest stage and show the world what he was capable of. And he wasted no time in doing just that.
Earl Campbell’s remarkable career was defined by his exceptional physicality and distinctive playing style. From a young age, Campbell displayed an exceptional combination of strength, speed, and agility that set him apart from his peers. With a towering height of 5 feet 11 inches and a weight exceeding 230 pounds, he commanded attention and instilled fear on the football field.
Campbell’s rookie season was nothing short of remarkable. He left a lasting impression by rushing for an incredible 1,450 yards and finding the end zone 13 times. As a result, he was honored with both the NFL AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award and the NFL AP Offensive Player of the Year title. His dominant running technique and knack for breaking tackles left opponents and fans alike in complete awe. There was no denying that Campbell had established himself as a formidable force in the league.
Under Campbell’s leadership, the Oilers triumphantly reached the playoffs after a 12-year drought. Despite making it to the AFC Championship game, the Oilers suffered a defeat against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a final score of 34-5.
Over the next few seasons, Campbell continued to dominate the NFL. He led the league in rushing yards for three consecutive years from 1978 to 1980, becoming the first player to achieve such a feat since Jim Brown in the 1960s. His bruising running style, combined with his breakaway speed, made him virtually unstoppable on the field.
He also possessed an incredible work ethic and a never-give-up attitude. He was known for his relentless determination and his ability to push through pain and adversity. Campbell played through numerous injuries throughout his career, never letting anything stand in his way.
During the 1979 season, he achieved the highest number of rushing yards in the league for the second time. His exceptional performance resulted in an astounding 1,697 yards gained on the ground. Additionally, he demonstrated his prowess in scoring touchdowns, reaching an impressive total of 19. These outstanding achievements led to him being honored with the prestigious NFL AP Most Valuable Player and NFL AP Offensive Player of the Year awards, acknowledging his remarkable contributions. His recognition established him as one of the most extraordinary players of his era, guaranteeing his enduring legacy in the records of football history.
Once the regular season of 1979 came to a close, Campbell skillfully guided the Oilers back to the playoffs. Although they didn’t make it to the Super Bowl, Campbell unquestionably made a significant impact on both the team and the city of Houston. He was greatly admired and beloved, not only for his exceptional performance on the field but also for his humble and approachable attitude.
In 1980, he continued his remarkable dominance on the football field by achieving yet another milestone in his extraordinary career. For the third year in a row, he received the prestigious NFL AP Offensive Player of the Year award, a remarkable achievement that had never been seen before in the NFL’s history. His exceptional performance throughout the season was truly awe-inspiring, as he amassed an astounding 1,934 rushing yards and found the end zone 13 times. His remarkable talent, unmatched determination, and relentless drive truly set him apart as a true legend of the game.
Throughout his NFL career, Campbell continued to showcase his physicality and unique style of play. He was known for his punishing running style, often delivering bone-crushing hits to defenders who dared to stand in his way. Campbell’s ability to break tackles and gain extra yards after contact made him one of the most feared running backs of his era.
Unfortunately, injuries began to take a toll on Campbell’s body as the years went on. In 1984, he was traded to the New Orleans Saints, where he played for two more seasons. Although his career was cut short, Campbell’s impact on the game of football was undeniable. He was forced to retire in 1985 after a series of knee injuries and a degenerative condition in his spine. But even in retirement, Campbell’s legacy continued to grow.
Campbell’s influence has had a long-lasting effect as he actively promotes player safety and courageously discusses the physical strain that football can impose on athletes’ bodies. His sincerity and proactive approach in tackling these concerns have played a pivotal role in instigating significant transformations within the sport.
In 1991, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his status as one of the greatest running backs of all time. And in 2019, he was named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, further cementing his place in football history.
Earl Campbell, “The Tyler Rose,” will forever be remembered as one of the most iconic figures in the history of American football. His journey from a small-town hero to an NFL Hall of Famer is a testament to his grit, determination, and unparalleled talent. And his enduring impact on the game will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Career NFL Stats
Rushing Attempts: 2187
Rushing Yards: 9407
Rushing Yards per Attempt: 4.3
Rushing Touchdowns: 74
Receptions: 121
Receiving Yards: 806
Awards
1978 NFL AP Offensive Rookie of the Year
1978 NFL AP Offensive Player of the Year
1979 NFL AP Most Valuable Player
1979 NFL AP Offensive Player of the Year
1980 NFL AP Offensive Player of the Year