Joe Namath
American football player (born 1943)
Earl Campbell
American football player (born 1955)
Earl Campbell, nicknamed “the Tyler Rose,” was a dominant American football running back who played for the Houston Oilers in the NFL. Known for his aggressive, punishing running style, Campbell won numerous accolades, including the Heisman Trophy, NFL Rookie of the Year, and NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He was inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame, and his jersey number is retired by the University of Texas and Tennessee Titans.
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About the Earl Campbell
Earl Christian Campbellfor eight seasons, primarily with the Houston Oilers. Known for his aggressive, punishing running style and ability to break tackles, Campbell gained recognition as one of the best power running backs in NFL history.
Campbell played college football for the Texas Longhorns, where he won the Heisman Trophy and earned unanimous All-American honors in his senior season, as well as numerous other accolades. Campbell was selected first overall by the Oilers in the 1978 NFL draft, and had an immediate impact in the league, earning NFL Rookie of the Year honors. Campbell was also named the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year in each of his first three seasons, during which he averaged nearly 1,700 rushing yards per season. Campbell won the AP NFL Most Valuable Player Award in 1979 after leading the league in rushing yards and touchdowns.
With head coach Bum Phillips, Campbell’s emergence in Houston coincided with the Luv Ya Blue era, a period of sustained success in which the Oilers made three straight playoff appearances. Campbell became the centerpiece of Houston’s offense during the late 1970s and early 1980s. He was traded to the New Orleans Saints six games into the 1984 season, where he spent his final season and a half before retiring. Campbell was inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fameand Pro Football Hall of Fame (1991). In 2019, he was named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. Campbell’s jersey number is retired by the University of Texas and the Tennessee Titans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Earl Campbell is an American former professional football running back who played in the NFL for eight seasons, primarily with the Houston Oilers. He was known for his aggressive, punishing running style and was considered one of the best power running backs in NFL history.
Earl Campbell played college football for the Texas Longhorns, where he won the Heisman Trophy and earned unanimous All-American honors in his senior season.
Earl Campbell won the Heisman Trophy, was named NFL Rookie of the Year, and was the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year in each of his first three seasons. He also won the AP NFL Most Valuable Player Award in 1979 after leading the league in rushing yards and touchdowns.
Earl Campbell’s emergence with the Houston Oilers coincided with the Luv Ya Blue era, a period of sustained success in which the Oilers made three straight playoff appearances. Campbell became the centerpiece of Houston’s offense during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Earl Campbell was traded to the New Orleans Saints six games into the 1984 season, where he spent his final season and a half before retiring. Campbell was inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame (1990) and Pro Football Hall of Fame (1991).
Earl Campbell’s jersey number is retired by the University of Texas and the Tennessee Titans, highlighting his impact and legacy as one of the greatest players in their respective histories.