View source for Earl Campbell

{{Short description|American football player (born 1955)}}
{{About|the American football player|the Canadian hockey player|Earl Campbell (ice hockey)}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name        = Earl Campbell
| image       = Earl campbell shaggybevo.jpg
| image_size  =
| alt         = 
| caption     = Campbell signing autographs in 2009
| number      = 34, 35
| position    = [[Running back]]
| birth_date  = {{birth date and age|1955|3|29|mf=y}}
| birth_place = [[Tyler, Texas]], U.S.
| death_date  = 
| death_place = 
| height_ft   = 5
| height_in   = 11
| weight_lb   = 232
| high_school = [[John Tyler High School|John Tyler]] <br> (Tyler, Texas)
| college     = [[Texas Longhorns football|Texas]] (1974–1977)
| draftyear   = 1978
| draftround  = 1
| draftpick   = 1
| pastteams   =
* [[Houston Oilers]] ({{NFL Year|1978|1984}})
* [[New Orleans Saints]] ({{NFL Year|1984|1985}})
| highlights  =
* [[NFL Most Valuable Player]] (1979)
* 3× [[NFL Offensive Player of the Year]] (1978–1980)
* [[NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year]] (1978)
* 3× First-team [[All-Pro]] ([[1978 All-Pro Team|1978]]–[[1980 All-Pro Team|1980]])
* 5× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[1979 Pro Bowl|1978]]–[[1982 Pro Bowl|1981]], [[1984 Pro Bowl|1983]])
* [[Bert Bell Award]] (1979)
* [[Touchdown Club of Columbus#Joe F. Carr Trophy|Joe F. Carr Trophy]] (1978)
* 3× [[List of National Football League annual rushing yards leaders|NFL rushing yards leader]] (1978–1980)
* 2× [[List of National Football League annual rushing touchdowns leaders|NFL rushing touchdowns leader]] (1979, 1980)
* [[NFL 1970s All-Decade Team]]
* [[NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team]]
* [[Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team|PFWA All-Rookie Team]] ([[Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team#1978|1978]])
* [[Tennessee Titans#Titans Ring of Honor|Titans/Oilers Ring of Honor]]
* [[Tennessee Titans#Retired numbers|Houston Oilers No. 34]] retired
* [[Heisman Trophy]] (1977)
* [[Davey O'Brien Memorial Trophy]] (1977)
* [[Sporting News College Football Player of the Year|''SN'' Player of the Year]] (1977)
* [[Chic Harley Award]] (1977)
* [[List of unanimous All-Americans in college football|Unanimous All-American]] ([[1977 College Football All-America Team|1977]])
* First-team [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] ([[1975 College Football All-America Team|1975]])
* [[List of NCAA major college football yearly rushing leaders|NCAA rushing yards leader]] (1977)
* [[List of NCAA major college football yearly rushing leaders|NCAA rushing touchdowns leader]] (1977)
* [[List of NCAA major college football yearly scoring leaders|NCAA scoring leader]] (1977)
* 3× First-team All-[[Southwest Conference|SWC]] ([[1974 All-Southwest Conference football team|1974]], [[1975 All-Southwest Conference football team|1975]], [[1977 All-Southwest Conference football team|1977]])
* [[Texas Longhorns football#Retired numbers|Texas Longhorns No. 20]] retired
* [[Texas Sports Hall of Fame]]
* [[Houston Sports Hall of Fame]]
| statlabel1  = Rushing yards
| statvalue1  = 9,407
| statlabel2  = Rushing average
| statvalue2  = 4.3
| statlabel3  = Rushing [[touchdown]]s
| statvalue3  = 74
| statlabel4  = [[Reception (gridiron football)|Receptions]]
| statvalue4  = 121
| statlabel5  = Receiving yards
| statvalue5  = 806
| pfr         = C/CampEa00
| HOF         = earl-campbell
| CollegeHOF  = 1959 
}}

'''Earl Christian Campbell''' (born March 29, 1955), nicknamed "'''the Tyler Rose'''", is an American former professional [[American football|football]] [[running back]] who played in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) for 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 football|Texas Longhorns]], where he won the [[Heisman Trophy]] and earned [[List of unanimous All-Americans in college football|unanimous All-American]] honors in his senior season, as well as numerous other accolades. Campbell was selected [[List of first overall National Football League Draft picks|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 [[AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award|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 [[National Football League playoffs|playoff]] appearances. Campbell became the centerpiece of Houston's offense during the late 1970s and early 1980s.<ref>{{cite book |last=Aaseng |first=Nathan |date=2003 |title=African-American Athletes |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iSxylfm58foC&q=earl+campbell+oilers+offense&pg=PA42 |location=New York |publisher=Facts On File, Inc. |page=42 |isbn=0816048053 }}</ref> 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 Fame]] (1990) and [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] (1991). In 2019, he was named to the [[National Football League 100th Anniversary All-Time Team|NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team]]. Campbell's jersey number is [[Retired number|retired]] by the University of Texas and the [[Tennessee Titans]].{{efn|name=fn1|The Oilers franchise moved to Tennessee in 1998 and was renamed the "Titans" in 1999.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tennessee Titans 2015 Media Guide - Historical Highlights|url=http://prod.static.titans.clubs.nfl.com/assets/docs/mediaguide/History_15_Historical_Highlights.pdf|website=titansonline.com|publisher=Tennessee Titans|access-date=July 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822153003/http://prod.static.titans.clubs.nfl.com/assets/docs/mediaguide/History_15_Historical_Highlights.pdf|archive-date=August 22, 2016}}</ref>}}

==Early life==
Earl Christian Campbell was born to Ann and Bert "B.C." Campbell, on March 29, 1955, in [[Tyler, Texas]], leading to the nickname, "'''the Tyler Rose'''" later in his career. He was the sixth of 11 siblings. B.C. died when Earl was 11 years old.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Miller|first1=Rusty|title=New Hall of Famers savor the memories|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1298&dat=19910729&id=l-JLAAAAIBAJ&pg=6751,5393866&hl=en|access-date=July 2, 2016|work=The Free Lance-Star|agency=Associated Press|date=July 29, 1991|page=10}}</ref> Campbell began playing football in fifth grade as a kicker, but moved to [[linebacker]] in sixth grade after watching [[Dick Butkus]], whom he modeled his playing style after.<ref name=early/><ref name=Garber/> Ann Campbell attempted to persuade Earl not to play football in high school. "I dis-encouraged Earl," she said. "But he always loved football."<ref name=Heisman/> In 1973, Campbell led the [[Corky Nelson]]–coached [[John Tyler High School]] to the Texas 4A State Championship (4A then was the largest classification in the state). That season, he was named [[Mr. Football USA]] as he was adjudged the national high school player of the year.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mr. Football USA all-time list|url=https://www.espn.com/highschool/rise/football/news/story?id=3852940|website=espn.com|publisher=ESPN RISE|access-date=July 3, 2016|date=January 22, 2009}}</ref>

While heavily recruited, Campbell narrowed his choices to [[Houston Cougars football|Houston]], [[Oklahoma Sooners football|Oklahoma]], [[Texas Longhorns football|Texas]], [[Arkansas Razorbacks football|Arkansas]], and [[Baylor Bears football|Baylor]]. After in-home visits from [[Barry Switzer]] from Oklahoma and [[Darrell Royal]] from Texas, Campbell ultimately chose Texas.<ref name=early>{{cite web|title=Bio - Early Years|url=http://www.earlcampbell.com/ec/Bio_-_Early_Years.html|website=earlcampbell.com|publisher=Earl Campbell|access-date=June 28, 2016}}</ref> Switzer, who unsuccessfully recruited Campbell, said in his 1989 book that Campbell was the only player he ever saw who could have gone straight from high school to the NFL and immediately become a star.<ref>{{cite book |last=Switzer |first=Barry |author-link=Barry Switzer |author2=Bud Shrake |title=The Bootlegger's Boy |year=1990 |publisher=William Morrow & Co. |isbn=978-0-688-09384-6}}</ref>

==College career==
Campbell attended the [[University of Texas at Austin]], where he played [[college football]] for the [[Texas Longhorns football|Texas Longhorns]] from 1974 to 1977.<ref>{{cite web|title=Earl Campbell college stats|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/earl-campbell-1.html|website=Sports-Reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=June 28, 2016}}</ref>

As a freshman in 1974, Campbell played in all 11 games and had 162 carries for 928 yards and six touchdowns.

As a sophomore in 1975, Campbell was a first-team [[1975 College Football All-America Team|All-America]] selection at [[Fullback (American football)|fullback]] by the [[American Football Coaches Association]]<ref>{{cite news|title=UT, Aggies Each Have Two On Coaches' A-A|newspaper=Valley Morning Star|date=November 26, 1975|access-date=June 28, 2016|page=8|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4497081/ut_aggies_each_have_two_on_coaches_aa/}}</ref> after leading the [[Southwest Conference]] with 1,118 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns, and 78 points scored.

In 1976, leg injuries kept Campbell out of four games during his junior season,<ref>{{cite news|title=Someday; Injured Earl Campbell saw last year's Heisman awards on TV and said...|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1817&dat=19771208&id=9wgdAAAAIBAJ&pg=6688,2420443&hl=en|access-date=June 28, 2016|work=The Tuscaloosa News|agency=Associated Press|date=December 9, 1977|page=8}}</ref> and he rushed for 653 yards and three touchdowns in seven games as Texas finished with a 5–5–1 record.<ref>{{cite web|title=1976 Texas Longhorns Stats|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/texas/1976.html|website=Sports-Reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=June 28, 2016}}</ref>

Campbell led the nation in rushing as a senior in 1977, with 1,744 yards and 19 touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1977 College Football Leaders |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/1977-leaders.html |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In the third game of the season, against the [[Rice Owls football|Rice Owls]], Campbell scored four touchdowns during a 72–15 blowout in which Texas kicker [[Russell Erxleben]] set an NCAA record with a 67-yard field goal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rice Falls Hapless To Overpowering Texas|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1842&dat=19771001&id=jhksAAAAIBAJ&pg=1397,158289&hl=en|access-date=June 29, 2016|work=Times Daily|agency=United Press International|date=October 2, 1977|page=18}}</ref> In his final regular-season game, Campbell rushed for a career-high 222 yards in a 57–28 victory over rival [[1977 Texas A&M Aggies football team|Texas A&M]], and the Longhorns finished the regular season undefeated. After clinching the Southwest Conference championship, the top-ranked Longhorns then faced No. 5 [[1977 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team|Notre Dame]], led by quarterback [[Joe Montana]], in the [[1978 Cotton Bowl Classic|Cotton Bowl Classic]]. Campbell carried 29 times for 116 yards in the game, but Notre Dame was victorious, 38–10, and claimed the [[College football national championships in NCAA Division I FBS|national championship]]. Texas was ranked fourth in the final [[AP Poll]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1978 Classic Recap|url=http://media.attcottonbowl.com/resource/history/1978/rsrc/1978-Classic-Recap.pdf|website=attcottonbowl.com|access-date=June 29, 2016|page=57}}</ref>

Campbell was awarded the [[Heisman Memorial Trophy]] as the most outstanding college player after the season, becoming the University of Texas' first winner of the award.<ref name=Heisman>{{cite news|title=Texas' Earl Campbell Is Heisman Winner|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1876&dat=19771209&id=KX8sAAAAIBAJ&pg=6821,1899149&hl=en|access-date=June 29, 2016|work=Herald-Journal|agency=Associated Press|date=December 9, 1977|page=C1}}</ref> He also became the first recipient of the [[Davey O'Brien Memorial Trophy]] which was awarded to the outstanding player in the Southwest Conference.<ref>{{cite news|title=O'Brien Memorial taken by Campbell|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2199&dat=19780116&id=sbgxAAAAIBAJ&pg=1486,2488976&hl=en|access-date=June 28, 2016|work=Lawrence Journal-World|agency=Associated Press|date=January 19, 1978|page=13}}</ref> The [[Sporting News College Football Player of the Year|''Sporting News'']] and [[UPI College Football Player of the Year|United Press International]] each named Campbell the college football player of the year.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Sporting News Vault - TSN College Player of the Year |url=http://sportingnews.com/archives/almanac/nfl/cfbplay.html |website=sportingnews.com |publisher=Sporting News |access-date=June 28, 2016 |date=1998 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010121215500/http://sportingnews.com/archives/almanac/nfl/cfbplay.html |archive-date=January 21, 2001 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Earl Campbell Is College Football's Player Of Year|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1842&dat=19771206&id=lhIsAAAAIBAJ&pg=3962,1083450&hl=en|access-date=June 28, 2016|work=Times Daily|agency=United Press International|date=December 6, 1977|page=13}}</ref> He was a [[unanimous All-American]], being named to the first team by every major selector.<ref name=Richmond/>

Campbell finished his college career with 4,443 rushing yards and 40 rushing touchdowns in 40 games through four seasons.

===College rushing statistics===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
{{CollegePrimaryHeader|team=Texas Longhorns| Season | GP | Att | Yds | Avg | TD}}
|-
! [[1974 Texas Longhorns football team|1974]]
| 11 || 162 || 928 || 5.7 || 6
|-
! [[1975 Texas Longhorns football team|1975]]
| 11 || 198 || 1,118 || 5.6 || 13
|-
! [[1976 Texas Longhorns football team|1976]]
| 7 || 138 || 653 || 4.7 || 3
|-
! [[1977 Texas Longhorns football team|1977]]
| 11 || 267 || 1,744 || 6.5 || 18
|-
! Career !! 40 !! 765 !! 4,443 !! 5.8 !! 40
|}

==Professional career==
===Houston Oilers===
Campbell was the first overall draft pick in the [[1978 NFL draft]], selected by the [[Houston Oilers]], who signed him to a six-year, $1.4 million contract. The Oilers obtained the pick from the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] by trading tight end [[Jimmie Giles]], their first and second round picks in the 1978 Draft, and their third and fifth round picks in the 1979 Draft. "This is a commitment to excellence," said Oilers head coach [[Bum Phillips]]. "It takes a great running back to have a winning football team and this kid is a great running back."<ref>{{cite news|title=Oilers' choice: Earl Campbell|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1314&dat=19780425&id=JmVRAAAAIBAJ&pg=5118,4121566&hl=en|access-date=June 29, 2016|work=The Spokesman-Review|agency=Associated Press|date=April 25, 1978|page=18}}</ref> After rushing for a league-leading and rookie record 1,450 yards,<ref>{{cite news|title=Oilers Woke Up To Earl's Alarm|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=950&dat=19781127&id=JH5QAAAAIBAJ&pg=6357,3045229&hl=en|access-date=June 29, 2016|work=The Evening Independent|agency=Associated Press|date=November 27, 1978|page=9-C}}</ref> Campbell was named the [[NFL Rookie of the Year Award|Offensive Rookie of the Year]] by the ''[[Sporting News]]'' and [[Associated Press]] (AP).<ref>{{cite news|title=Sporting News honors rookie Earl Campbell|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=932&dat=19790103&id=eLQOAAAAIBAJ&pg=5809,107557&hl=en|access-date=June 29, 2016|work=Kingman Daily Miner|agency=Associated Press|date=January 3, 1979|page=3}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Campbell Offensive Rookie of the Year|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2519&dat=19790111&id=tw5eAAAAIBAJ&pg=1368,1463232&hl=en|access-date=June 29, 2016|work=Observer-Reporter|agency=Associated Press|date=January 11, 1979|page=C-2}}</ref> He was also named the [[UPI AFL-AFC Player of the Year|AFC Offensive Player of the Year]] by [[United Press International]] (UPI),<ref>{{cite news|title=Campbell makes clean sweep|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2002&dat=19781229&id=vW8vAAAAIBAJ&pg=2899,6474875&hl=en|access-date=June 29, 2016|work=Beaver County Times|agency=United Press International|date=December 29, 1978|page=B-2}}</ref> [[NFL Offensive Player of the Year]] by the AP,<ref>{{cite news|title=Campbell Wins Offensive Title|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1873&dat=19790112&id=6QIpAAAAIBAJ&pg=1765,4772971&hl=en|access-date=June 29, 2016|work=Daytona Beach Morning Journal|agency=Associated Press|date=January 12, 1979|page=6B}}</ref> and the [[NFL Most Valuable Player]] (MVP) by the [[Newspaper Enterprise Association]] (NEA) and [[Pro Football Writers of America]] (PFWA).<ref>{{cite web|title=Newspaper Ent. Assoc. NFL Most Valuable Player Winners|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/newspaper-entertainment-mvp.htm|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=June 20, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Campbell Honored|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=861&dat=19790122&id=YCNIAAAAIBAJ&pg=4752,1985543&hl=en|access-date=June 30, 2016|work=The Victoria Advocate|agency=Associated Press|date=January 22, 1979|page=2B}}</ref> Campbell's emergence contributed to the start of the [[Luv Ya Blue]] era in Houston.<ref name=LYB>{{cite web|last1=Wesseling|first1=Chris|title=Luv ya Blue|url=http://www.nfl.com/luvyablue|website=NFL.com|publisher=National Football League|access-date=June 30, 2016|date=August 2015}}</ref>

[[File:Houston Oilers at Pittsburgh Steelers 1981-10-26 (ticket) (crop).jpg|thumb|Campbell pictured rushing the ball early in his career with the Oilers]]
With quarterback [[Dan Pastorini]] nursing a mid-season shoulder injury, Campbell carried the Oilers to a five-game winning streak in [[1979 Houston Oilers season|1979]], which concluded with a 30–24 victory over the [[Dallas Cowboys]] on [[NFL on Thanksgiving Day|Thanksgiving Day]], in which he rushed for 195 yards and two touchdowns.<ref name=LYB/> He finished the season with 1,697 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns, leading the league in both categories.<ref name=PFR>{{cite web|title=Earl Campbell NFL Football Statistics|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CampEa00.htm|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=June 30, 2016}}</ref> Campbell also set NFL records with 11 100-yard rushing games, seven consecutive 100-yard games, and 368 carries.<ref name=AP1979>{{cite news|last1=Lutz|first1=Michael|title=Campbell selected as 'Most Valuable'|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1298&dat=19791219&id=g_9NAAAAIBAJ&pg=3296,2932582&hl=en|access-date=June 30, 2016|work=The Free Lance-Star|agency=Associated Press|date=December 19, 1979|page=10}}</ref> He was named NFL MVP by the AP,<ref name=AP1979/> NEA,<ref>{{cite news|title=Campbell wins Thorpe|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1697&dat=19791226&id=fDAqAAAAIBAJ&pg=6687,5519697&hl=en|access-date=June 30, 2016|work=Park City Daily News|date=December 26, 1979|page=4-B}}</ref> and PFWA.<ref>{{cite news|title=Writers honor Houston's Campbell|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1982&dat=19800109&id=voJGAAAAIBAJ&pg=6524,1047454&hl=en|access-date=June 30, 2016|work=Lakeland Ledger|agency=Associated Press|date=January 10, 1980}}</ref> Campbell also repeated as the AP Offensive Player of the Year, and won the [[Bert Bell Award]] as the league's most outstanding player.<ref>{{cite news|title=Campbell Walks With Second Offensive Title|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=757&dat=19791222&id=TzZkAAAAIBAJ&pg=3805,4172533&hl=en|access-date=June 30, 2016|work=The Virgin Islands Daily News|agency=Associated Press|date=December 24, 1979|page=33}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Offensive Player of the Year It's Campbell Again|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=950&dat=19791220&id=v1pQAAAAIBAJ&pg=6616,1186148&hl=en|access-date=June 30, 2016|work=The Evening Independent|agency=Associated Press|date=December 20, 1979|page=3C}}</ref>

With his aggressive running style which favored running over players instead of around them, questions began to arise over how long Campbell could stay healthy.<ref name=trouble>{{cite news|title=Is Earl Campbell Running Into Trouble?|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2519&dat=19791019&id=bfVdAAAAIBAJ&pg=1418,3029830&hl=en|access-date=July 1, 2016|work=Observer-Reporter|agency=Associated Press|date=October 19, 1979|page=C-5}}</ref> "He runs with a lot of reckless abandon," said [[Ron Johnson (running back)|Ron Johnson]], a former running back whose own career was cut short. "You can run like that in college. But you can't do that for 10 years and hope to survive."<ref name=trouble/> [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] running back [[Franco Harris]] said, "Knocking over people can look very good but you can't do it forever. Sometimes it's going to be somebody else who knocks you over ... so the most important thing I think isn't to get a few extra yards every time but to make sure you're healthy enough to play."<ref name=trouble/> Bum Phillips, though, favored Campbell's running style. "I've been looking for a back like Earl," he said. "I'm not going to change his style. Why would I? You don't want a guy who gets hit and then flops on the ground. Earl does the same thing other backs do, only better."<ref name=trouble/>

After an 11–5 regular-season record in 1979, the Oilers defeated the [[1979 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]] in the wild-card round for their first home playoff win since 1960.<ref name=LYB/> Houston then won the divisional round game against the [[1979 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]] despite both Pastorini and Campbell missing the game due to injuries.<ref>{{cite news|title=Oilers nip San Diego 17–14 without Campbell, Pastorini|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1893&dat=19791228&id=280fAAAAIBAJ&pg=3960,8347222&hl=en|access-date=August 22, 2016|work=The Southeast Missourian|agency=Associated Press|date=December 30, 1979|page=17}}</ref> With both back in the lineup, however, the Oilers lost the conference championship game the following week against the [[1979 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]].<ref name=LYB/> Campbell was held to just 15 yards on 17 carries against Pittsburgh's "[[Steel Curtain]]" defense.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Zimmerman|first1=Paul|title=Hitting a Wall of Steel|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=January 14, 1980|volume=52|issue=2|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1980/01/14/824299/hitting-a-wall-of-steel-earl-campbell--co-tried-and-failed-to-dent-the-pittsburgh-defense-the-rams-get-a-shot-in-super-bowl-xiv|access-date=November 7, 2016}}</ref>

Campbell had his most productive rushing yardage season in [[1980 Houston Oilers season|1980]], with 1,934 yards in 15 games—an average of 128.9 yards per game. He finished 70 yards short of breaking [[O. J. Simpson]]'s single-season rushing yards record set in 1973.<ref name=Day>{{cite news|title=Campbell runs away with offensive honor|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1915&dat=19810108&id=ihUiAAAAIBAJ&pg=5006,1087241&hl=en|access-date=June 30, 2016|work=The Day|agency=Associated Press|date=January 8, 1981|page=24}}</ref> Campbell again led the league in rushing yards and touchdowns, and broke his own record for carries, with 373. Over 60 percent of Campbell's yards came in the fourth quarter. "That's when the tough get going," said Campbell.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Strother|first1=Shelby|title=Earl Campbell gearing up for new role with Oilers|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=888&dat=19810821&id=8Z4oAAAAIBAJ&pg=4776,5271356&hl=en|access-date=June 30, 2016|work=St. Petersburg Times|date=August 21, 1981|page=4C}}</ref> He had four games of over 200 rushing yards, a single-season record that still stands as of the end of the 2016 season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Player Game Finder Query Results|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.cgi?id=EhK1f|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=June 30, 2016}}</ref> Campbell also threw a 57-yard touchdown pass to receiver [[Billy Johnson (gridiron football)|Billy "White Shoes" Johnson]] against the Steelers for his only career completion out of three attempts.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Clayton, John|author-link=John Clayton (sportswriter)|title=Oilers Stub Their Toes On Steeler Door|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1144&dat=19800908&id=ZYUqAAAAIBAJ&pg=5312,3248782|access-date=July 17, 2016|work=The Pittsburgh Press|date=September 8, 1980|page=C-3}}</ref> The Oilers again finished with an 11–5 regular-season record, but lost in the Wild Card Round to the [[1980 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]]. For the third straight year, Campbell was awarded the [[Jim Thorpe Trophy]] by the [[Newspaper Enterprise Association]] as the league's MVP,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Olderman|first1=Murray|title=Earl Campbell: a triple champ|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1908&dat=19810116&id=pswhAAAAIBAJ&pg=1959,1569350&hl=en|access-date=June 30, 2016|work=The Nevada Daily Mail|agency=Newspaper Enterprise Association|date=January 18, 1981|page=10}}</ref> and named the Offensive Player of the Year by the AP.<ref name=Day/>

Bum Phillips was fired three days after Houston's loss in the wild-card game, and defensive coordinator [[Ed Biles]] was given the head coaching job.<ref>{{cite news|title=Oilers give Biles head coach's job|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1314&dat=19810103&id=SE9OAAAAIBAJ&pg=4597,767502&hl=en|access-date=June 30, 2016|work=The Spokesman-Review|agency=Associated Press|date=January 3, 1981|page=21}}</ref> In [[1981 Houston Oilers season|1981]], the Oilers finished 7–9 and failed to make the playoffs for the first time with Campbell on the roster. Campbell also did not claim the rushing yards title for the first time in his career as he finished fifth in yards with 1,376 and seventh in touchdowns with 10.<ref name=PFR/> The highlight of the season was back-to-back rushing performances of over 180 yards, against the [[1980 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]] during week 5 and against the [[1980 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]] in week 6. His 39 carries against the Seahawks set an Oilers single-game record.<ref>{{cite news|title=Campbell, Stabler destroy Seahawks|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12547813/campbell_stabler_destroy_seahawks/|access-date=July 22, 2017|work=The Galveston Daily News|agency=United Press International|date=October 12, 1981|page=13|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Campbell was invited to his fourth [[Pro Bowl]], but failed to make an [[All-Pro]] roster.

A [[National Football League Players Association#1982 strike|players' strike in 1982]] shortened the season to nine games and the Oilers finished with a 1–8 record. Campbell had just two touchdowns and 538 rushing yards, an average of 59.8 yards per game—far below his average of 104.1 per game over the previous four seasons.<ref>{{cite web|title=Earl Campbell Rushing & Receiving Statistics for Career Games 1978 to 1981|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CampEa00.htm#1978-1981-sum:rushing_and_receiving|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=July 1, 2016}}</ref>

Campbell's production improved greatly in [[1983 Houston Oilers season|1983]] as he had 1,301 yards and 12 touchdowns, and was invited to his fifth Pro Bowl. However, the Oilers finished the season tied for the worst record in the league at 2–14. Unhappy after he was pulled in the second half against the [[1983 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]] in week 10, Campbell demanded to be traded.<ref>{{cite news|title=Critical Campbell wants Oilers to trade him|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1346&dat=19831109&id=b0dNAAAAIBAJ&pg=6796,3187475&hl=en|access-date=July 1, 2016|work=Lakeland Ledger|date=November 9, 1983|page=5D}}</ref> He completed the season with the team but remained adamant with his demand in the off-season. "I'm tired of hearing every week how I'm too dumb, washed up, too dumb to read holes, can't block, can't catch the football," said Campbell.<ref>{{cite news|title=Oiler star still wants to get out|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1946&dat=19840106&id=PFwxAAAAIBAJ&pg=2147,1355250&hl=en|access-date=July 1, 2016|work=The Montreal Gazette|agency=Associated Press|date=January 6, 1984|page=B-7}}</ref> The team's back-to-back dismal seasons also added to his frustration.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Scanlon|first1=Dick|title=It's not easy being Earl Campbell|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1346&dat=19831127&id=7JMsAAAAIBAJ&pg=1727,4972027&hl=en|access-date=July 1, 2016|work=Lakeland Ledger|date=November 28, 1983|page=6D}}</ref>

In [[1984 Houston Oilers season|1984]], under new head coach [[Hugh Campbell]], Houston started the season with six straight losses.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bum, Earl Campbell reunited in New Orleans|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1842&dat=19841010&id=jPAdAAAAIBAJ&pg=3253,2287423&hl=en|access-date=August 22, 2016|work=TimesDaily|agency=United Press International|date=October 10, 1984|page=4D}}</ref> After rushing for 278 yards total in the first six games of 1984, Campbell was traded to the [[New Orleans Saints]], reuniting him with Bum Phillips.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Janofsky|first1=Michael|title=Saints Get Oilers' Campbell|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/10/10/sports/saints-get-oilers-campbell.html|access-date=July 1, 2016|work=The New York Times|date=October 10, 1984}}</ref>

===New Orleans Saints===
The Saints received Campbell in exchange for their first-round draft pick in 1985,<ref name=OCS>{{cite news|title=Oilers trade Campbell to Saints for draft pick|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1665&dat=19841010&id=M5IbAAAAIBAJ&pg=6694,5602690&hl=en|access-date=July 1, 2016|work=The Times-News|agency=Associated Press|date=October 10, 1984|page=15}}</ref> with which Houston selected cornerback [[Richard Johnson (defensive back)|Richard Johnson]]. The trade came as a surprise in New Orleans;<ref name=deluxe>{{cite news|title=Campbell gives Saints deluxe backfield|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1298&dat=19841010&id=BQFOAAAAIBAJ&pg=6691,1330118&hl=en|access-date=July 1, 2016|work=The Free Lance-Star|agency=Associated Press|date=October 10, 1984|page=6}}</ref> the team already had the young [[George Rogers (American football)|George Rogers]], the 1981 No. 1 overall draft pick and that year's Rookie of the Year and rushing champion.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lowitt|first1=Bruce|title=Saints' Rogers Named Top Rookie on Offense|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1917&dat=19820107&id=I4xGAAAAIBAJ&pg=3838,1505692&hl=en|access-date=August 22, 2016|work=Schenectady Gazette|agency=Associated Press|date=January 7, 1982|page=27}}</ref> With Campbell and Rogers, the Saints now had two Heisman Trophy winners in the backfield.<ref name=deluxe/> In his first game with New Orleans, Campbell carried five times for 19 yards, and continued to have a diminished role in the offense throughout the rest of the season.<ref name=OCS/> He rushed for a total of 468 yards and four touchdowns in 1984, and failed to record a 100-yard game during the season.<ref name=Hebert/>

Campbell's final 100-yard game was his only one in 1985: a 160-yard outburst against the [[1985 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]] in which he scored his only touchdown of the season.<ref name=Hebert>{{cite news|title=Hebert, Campbell Get Saints Past Minnesota|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1917&dat=19851123&id=ixAhAAAAIBAJ&pg=4458,2633611&hl=en|access-date=July 1, 2016|work=Schenectady Gazette|agency=United Press International|date=November 25, 1985|page=38}}</ref> Campbell finished the year with 643 rushing yards on 158 carries.

===Retirement===
After considering a return for one more season to reach [[List of National Football League career rushing yards leaders|10,000 career rushing yards]],<ref>{{cite news |date=July 25, 1986 |title=Saints' Earl Campbell has goal of 10,000 yards |page=3B |work=Gainesville Sun |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1320&dat=19860725&id=8z1WAAAAIBAJ&pg=4623,2743426&hl=en |access-date=July 1, 2016}}</ref> Campbell retired during the 1986 preseason, feeling that the beating he had taken during his career had taken too much of a toll.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bio - The Oilers|url=http://www.earlcampbell.com/ec/bio_-_the_oilers.html|website=earlcampbell.com|publisher=Earl Campbell|access-date=July 1, 2016|date=2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521084650/http://www.earlcampbell.com/EC/Bio_-_The_Oilers.html|archive-date=May 21, 2011}}</ref> Campbell stated: "I'm a man; I'm not a little boy. I believe this is the best thing—not only for myself, but for the Saints."<ref>{{cite news|title=At Age 31, Earl Campbell Retires; Move Takes the Saints by Surprise|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-08-19-sp-16999-story.html|access-date=July 1, 2016|work=Los Angeles Times|date=August 19, 1986}}</ref> He finished his career with 2,187 carries for 9,407 yards and 74 touchdowns to go along with 121 receptions for 806 yards in the regular season.

==NFL career statistics==
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2"| Legend
|-
| style="background:#ffff00; width:3em;"|
| AP [[National Football League Most Valuable Player Award|NFL MVP]] & [[NFL Offensive Player of the Year|OPOTY]]
|-
| style="background:#ffd700; width:3em;"|
| NFL Offensive Player of the Year
|-
| style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"|
| Led the league
|-
| '''Bold'''
| Career high
|}

=== Regular season ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! colspan="2"| Games
! colspan="5"| Rushing
! colspan="5"| Receiving
! rowspan="2"| Fum
|-
! GP !! GS !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Rec !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD
|-
! style="background:#ffd700; width:3em;"|[[1978 NFL season|1978]] !! [[1978 Houston Oilers season|HOU]]
| 15 || 14 || 302 || style="background:#cfecec;"| 1,450 || 4.8 || style="background:#cfecec;"| '''81T''' || 13 || 12 || 48 || 4.0 || 20 || 0 || 9
|-
! style="background:#ffff00; width:3em;"|[[1979 NFL season|1979]] !! [[1979 Houston Oilers season|HOU]]
| '''16'''|| '''16'''|| 368 || style="background:#cfecec;"| 1,697 || 4.6 || 61T || style="background:#cfecec;"| '''19''' || 16 || 94 || 5.9 || 46 || 0 || 8
|-
! style="background:#ffd700; width:3em;"|[[1980 NFL season|1980]] !! [[1980 Houston Oilers season|HOU]]
| 15 || 15 || style="background:#cfecec; "| '''373''' || style="background:#cfecec;"| '''1,934''' || style="background:#cfecec;"| '''5.2''' || 55T || style="background:#cfecec;"| 13 || 11 || 47 || 4.3 || 10 || 0 || 4
|-
! [[1981 NFL season|1981]] !! [[1981 Houston Oilers season|HOU]]
| '''16'''|| '''16'''|| 361 || 1,376 || 3.8 || 43 || 10 || '''36''' || 156 || 4.3 || 17 || 0 || '''10'''
|-
! [[1982 NFL season|1982]] !! [[1982 Houston Oilers season|HOU]]
| 9 || 9 || 157 || 538 || 3.4 || 22 || 2 || 18 || 130 || 7.2 || 46 || 0 || 2
|-
! [[1983 NFL season|1983]] !! [[1983 Houston Oilers season|HOU]]
| 14 || 14 || 322 || 1,301 || 4.0 || 42 || 12 || 19 || '''216''' || 11.4 || '''66''' || 0 || 4
|-
! rowspan="2"|[[1984 NFL season|1984]] !! [[1984 Houston Oilers season|HOU]]
| 6 || 6 || 96 || 278 || 2.9 || 22 || 4 || 3 || 27 || 9.0 || 15 || 0 || 2
|-
! [[1984 New Orleans Saints season|NO]]
| 8 || 0 || 50 || 190 || 3.8 || 19 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[1985 NFL season|1985]] !! [[1985 New Orleans Saints season|NO]]
| '''16'''|| 12 || 158 || 643 || 4.1 || 45 || 1 || 6 || 88 || '''14.7''' || 39 || 0 || 4
|-
! colspan="2"| Career<ref name=PFR/> !! 115 !! 102 !! 2,187 !! 9,407 !! 4.3 !! 81T !! 74 !! 121 !! 806 !! 6.7 !! 66 !! 0 !! 43
|}

=== Postseason ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! colspan="2"| Games
! colspan="5"| Rushing
! colspan="5"| Receiving
! rowspan="2"| Fum
|-
! GP !! GS !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Rec !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD
|-
! [[1978 NFL season|1978]] !! [[1978 Houston Oilers season|HOU]]
| '''3'''|| '''3'''|| '''75''' || '''264''' || '''3.5''' || '''35''' || '''2''' || '''3''' || '''27''' || '''9.0''' || '''13''' || 0 || '''4'''
|-
! [[1979 NFL season|1979]] !! [[1979 Houston Oilers season|HOU]]
| 2 || 2 || 33 || 65 || 2.0 || 9 || 1 || 2 || 18 || 9.0 || 11 || 0 || 1
|-
! [[1980 NFL season|1980]] !! [[1980 Houston Oilers season|HOU]]
| 1 || 1 || 27 || 91 || 3.4 || 14 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 1
|-
! colspan="2" | Career<ref>{{Cite web |title=Earl Campbell Playoffs Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CampEa00.htm |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>!! 6 !! 6 !! 135 !! 420 !! 3.1 !! 35 !! 4 !! 5 !! 45 !! 9.0 !! 13 !! 0 !! 6
|}
==Legacy and honors==
Campbell is widely acknowledged as one of the best power running backs in NFL history,<ref name="record">{{cite web|title=Earl Campbell's Record-Setting Season|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/news/earl-campbell-s-record-setting-season/|website=profootballhof.com|publisher=Pro Football Hall of Fame|access-date=July 2, 2016|date=January 1, 2005}}</ref><ref name=Classic>{{cite web|last1=Lee|first1=Phillip|title=Classic catches up with Earl Campbell|url=https://www.espn.com/classic/s/Where_now_campbell_earl.html|website=[[ESPN]]|publisher=ESPN Classic|access-date=July 2, 2016|date=November 19, 2003}}</ref> and was highly regarded by his peers. "Every time you hit him you lower your own [[Intelligence quotient|IQ]]," said Redskins linebacker [[Pete Wysocki]].<ref name=trouble/> Cornerback [[Lester Hayes]] of the Raiders said, "Earl Campbell was put on this earth to play football."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Harasta|first1=Cathy|title=Campbell's legs carried him to Fame|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1876&dat=19910726&id=n4QgAAAAIBAJ&pg=6561,3339257&hl=en|access-date=July 2, 2016|work=Herald-Journal|date=July 26, 1991|page=D4}}</ref> [[Cliff Harris]], safety for the Cowboys, recalled Campbell as "the hardest-hitting running back I ever played against. He didn't have the elusiveness of an O. J. Simpson. But when you finished a game against Earl, you had to sit in a tub with [[Magnesium sulfate|Epsom salts]]."<ref name=mark>{{cite news|last1=Luksa|first1=Frank|title=Campbell left his mark|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1291&dat=19860820&id=Mf1TAAAAIBAJ&pg=6021,5143015&hl=en|access-date=July 2, 2016|work=Boca Raton News|date=August 20, 1986}}</ref> Bum Phillips, when asked if Campbell was in a class by himself, quipped, "I dunno. But if he ain't, it don't take long to call the roll."<ref name=mark/>

Campbell is considered one of the greatest running backs in Texas Longhorns and college football history.<ref name=Richmond>{{cite web|last1=Richmond|first1=Sam|title=College football: Nine greatest running backs of all time|url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2015-11-25/college-football-nine-greatest-running-backs-all-time|website=NCAA|access-date=August 22, 2016|date=December 18, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Spoor|first1=Mark|title=Texas' greatest football players|url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/pillars-program/2014-10-01/texas-greatest-football-players|website=NCAA|access-date=August 22, 2016|date=October 8, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Longoria|first1=Rico|title=Picking the best ever from UW, Texas|url=http://static.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls01/s/holiday_bestUTUW.html|website=ESPN|access-date=August 22, 2016|date=December 23, 2001}}</ref> He was inducted into the [[College Football Hall of Fame]] in 1990, along with fellow Heisman winner [[Jim Plunkett]] of [[Stanford Cardinal football|Stanford]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Campbell Named to College Hall|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=861&dat=19901205&id=TFNSAAAAIBAJ&pg=6556,827928&hl=en|access-date=July 2, 2016|work=The Victoria Advocate|agency=Associated Press|date=December 5, 1990|page=3B}}</ref> Campbell became the first Texas Longhorns football player to have his jersey [[Retired number|retired]] by the university, his number 20 being retired in 1979.<ref>{{cite news|title=Texas honors Campbell|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19791125&id=utZQAAAAIBAJ&pg=5490,5638936&hl=en|access-date=July 2, 2016|work=Star-News|date=November 25, 1979|page=7-C}}</ref> In 2000, an internet poll of Longhorns fans voted Campbell to Texas' All-Century team. He received the most votes, beating out recently graduated [[Ricky Williams]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Campbell, Williams lead Texas All-Century Team|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=861&dat=20000114&id=t9VHAAAAIBAJ&pg=6848,4000381&hl=en|access-date=July 2, 2016|work=The Victoria Advocate|agency=Associated Press|date=January 14, 2000|page=1B}}</ref>

On July 27, 1991, Campbell was inducted into the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]. Others inducted in the 1991 class were [[John Hannah (American football)|John Hannah]], [[Stan Jones (American football)|Stan Jones]], [[Tex Schramm]], and [[Jan Stenerud]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Miller|first1=Rusty|title=Five greats are ready to enter Hall of Fame|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2002&dat=19910726&id=_rYiAAAAIBAJ&pg=1168,4184490&hl=en|access-date=July 2, 2016|work=Beaver County Times|agency=Associated Press|date=July 26, 1991|page=C4}}</ref> He was introduced at the ceremony by Bum Phillips. Campbell's jersey number 34 was retired by the Oilers in 1987.<ref>{{cite news|title=Campbell's Number To Be Retired|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=861&dat=19870702&id=HuBHAAAAIBAJ&pg=2815,6833910&hl=en|access-date=July 17, 2016|work=The Victoria Advocate|agency=Associated Press|date=July 2, 1987|page=2B}}</ref> He was inducted as one of six charter members into the Titans Hall of Fame in 1999, although Campbell declined an invitation to the induction ceremony, stating, "I was a Houston Oiler, not a Tennessee Titan."{{efn|name=fn1}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Titans to have hall of fame|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1696&dat=19991202&id=kPcaAAAAIBAJ&pg=6678,247467&hl=en|access-date=July 17, 2016|work=Daily News|agency=Associated Press|date=December 2, 1999|page=7-B}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Houston not hip on former team|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=861&dat=20000127&id=Q10dAAAAIBAJ&pg=2973,5240260&hl=en|access-date=July 17, 2016|work=The Victoria Advocate|agency=Associated Press|date=January 27, 2000|page=1B}}</ref>

In 1999, Campbell was ranked number 33 on ''The Sporting News''' list of the 100 greatest football players,<ref>{{cite web|title=TSN Presents - Football's 100 Greatest Players |url=http://archive.sportingnews.com/nfl/100/list-complete.html |website=sportingnews.com |publisher=Sporting News |access-date=June 28, 2016 |date=1999 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080821224749/http://archive.sportingnews.com/nfl/100/list-complete.html |archive-date=August 21, 2008 }}</ref> the highest-ranked player for the Houston Oilers franchise. In 2010, [[NFL Network]] ranked Campbell the 55th greatest player of all time in ''[[The Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players]]'',<ref>{{cite web|title=NFL Top 100 |url=http://top100.nfl.com/ |website=nfl.com |publisher=NFL |access-date=July 3, 2016 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228153448/http://top100.nfl.com/ |archive-date=December 28, 2010 }}</ref> and he was ranked by the sportswriter Max Bertellotti of the Turner Sports Network as the number 3 "power back" of all time, behind [[Jim Brown]] and [[John Riggins]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bertellotti|first1=Max|title=NFL: Jim Brown and the Top 10 NFL Power Running Backs of All Time|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/775399-nfl-the-top-ten-power-running-backs-of-all-time|website=bleacherreport.com|publisher=Bleacher Report|access-date=July 3, 2016}}</ref>

Campbell was honored at halftime against Ohio State on September 9, 2006, including the unveiling of a {{convert|9|ft|m|adj=on}} bronze statue of Campbell in the southwest corner of [[Royal-Memorial Stadium]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Larger than life, for sure|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1129&dat=20060817&id=5YlIAAAAIBAJ&pg=3058,2420791&hl=en|access-date=July 3, 2016|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=August 17, 2006|page=C-2}}</ref> The same year, he was featured on the cover of ''[[Dave Campbell's Texas Football]]'', an honor that eluded him during his playing days.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Griffin|first1=Tim|title=Texas Football's magazine release tells us the season beckons|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/big12/post/_/id/2192/texas-football-s-magazine-release-tells-us-the-season-beckons|website=ESPN|access-date=July 3, 2016|date=June 15, 2009}}</ref>

In 2019, Campbell was one of twelve running backs selected to the [[National Football League 100th Anniversary All-Time Team|NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team]].

On January 13, 2020, Campbell was honored during the [[College Football Playoff National Championship]] for the 150th anniversary of college football. ESPN named him the 7th best college football player of all time.

Campbell was declared an official State Hero in 1981 by the Texas legislature, an honor previously bestowed upon only Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston and Davy Crockett.<ref>{{cite web | last=Wilson | first=Dave | title=Earl got up: Inside the second act of a Texas legend | website=ESPN.com | date=2020-10-08 | url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/30046975/earl-campbell-got-second-act-texas-longhorns-legend | access-date=2025-05-17}}</ref>

A section of roadway in Tyler, Texas, extending from Loop 323 to SH155 was named the Earl Campbell Parkway at its opening in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://parksandrec.cityoftyler.org/News/tabid/3028/ctl/NewsArticle/mid/6359/CategoryID/24/NewsID/1763/Default.aspx|title=City of Tyler - Parks and Recreation > News|last1=Guthrie|first1=Susan|date=August 30, 2012|website=parksandrec.cityoftyler.org|access-date=July 25, 2016|archive-date=August 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816150513/http://parksandrec.cityoftyler.org/News/tabid/3028/ctl/NewsArticle/mid/6359/CategoryID/24/NewsID/1763/Default.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2013, the [[Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award]], an award given to the best offensive player in [[NCAA Division I]] with Texas ties, was named in Campbell's honor.<ref>{{cite press release|title=First Annual Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List Announced|url=http://onepointsafety.com/2013/08/22/press-release-first-annual-earl-campbell-tyler-rose-award-watch-list-announced/|publisher=Tyler Chamber of Commerce|date=August 21, 2013|access-date=July 3, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/news/the-haggar-gold-jacket-report-volume-2-issue-3/|title=The Haggar Gold Jacket Report - Volume 2, Issue 3 {{!}} Pro Football Hall of Fame Official Site|date=September 7, 2012|website=profootballhof.com|access-date=July 25, 2016}}</ref>

==Personal life==
While at the University of Texas, Campbell was a member of the honorary men's service organization, the [[Texas Cowboys]].

In 1980, Campbell married his high school sweetheart Reuna Smith,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Campbell |first1=Earl |title=Earl Campbell the Tyler Rose - Early Years |url=https://thetylerrose.com/early-years/ |website=thetylerrose.com |publisher=Earl Campbell |access-date=24 January 2025}}</ref> and they have two sons: Christian and Tyler. Christian played high school football with [[Drew Brees]], the nephew of his father's former Longhorns teammate [[Marty Akins]], at [[Westlake High School (Texas)|Westlake High]] and ran track for the [[Houston Cougars|University of Houston]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Track & Field – Christian Campbell|url=http://www.uhcougars.com/sports/c-track/mtt/campbell_christian01.html|publisher=University of Houston|website=uhcougars.com|access-date=July 2, 2016}}</ref> Tyler was a running back for [[Pasadena City College]] and [[San Diego State Aztecs football|San Diego State]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Tyler Campbell Bio|url=http://www.goaztecs.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/campbell_tyler00.html|publisher=San Diego State|website=goaztecs.com|access-date=July 2, 2016}}</ref> but was forced to give up the sport due to [[multiple sclerosis]] (MS).<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sachs|first1=Andrea|title=Tyler Campbell: Going for the tackle|url=http://www.momentummagazineonline.com/tyler-campbell-going-for-the-tackle/|publisher=[[National Multiple Sclerosis Society]]|work=Momentum Magazine|date=Fall 2013|access-date=July 3, 2016}}</ref> He returned to Texas after graduation and divides his time between the family business and raising awareness of MS with his father.<ref name=Fox>{{cite news|title=Hall of Famer Earl Campbell to have nerve treatment, says it 'came from playing the way I did'|url=http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2012/09/18/hall-famer-earl-campbell-to-have-nerve-treatment-says-it-came-from-playing-way/|work=Fox News|agency=Associated Press|date=September 18, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Jenkins |first1=Lee |title=Life's Roses (and Sausages) |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1201775/1/index.htm |magazine=Sports Illustrated |volume=117 |issue=2 |date=July 9, 2012 |access-date=February 1, 2017 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718105847/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1201775/1/index.htm |archive-date=July 18, 2012 }}</ref>

In 1990, Campbell founded Earl Campbell Meat Products, Inc. which manufactures and sells Earl Campbell's Smoked Sausage and other food products and [[barbecue sauce]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Earl Campbell – The Official Website |url=http://www.earlcampbell.com/index2.html |website=earlcampbell.com |access-date=June 28, 2016 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070120142943/http://www.earlcampbell.com/index2.html |archive-date=January 20, 2007 }}</ref> Campbell and his associates also opened a restaurant in 1999 on Sixth Street in Austin called Earl Campbell's Lone Star BBQ, which closed in 2001.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Reid|first1=Jan|title=Earl Campbell|url=http://www.texasmonthly.com/2001-09-01/sports-2.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090523154254/http://www.texasmonthly.com/2001-09-01/sports-2.php|work=Texas Monthly|date=September 1, 2001|archive-date=May 23, 2009 }}</ref>

As of 2016, he still actively participated in [[Texas Longhorns|University of Texas athletics]], serving as special assistant to the football team.<ref>{{cite web|title=Texas Longhorns Athletics - Staff Directory|url=http://texassports.com/sports/2013/7/29/GEN_0729135557.aspx?path=general|website=texassports.com|publisher=University of Texas|access-date=July 3, 2016}}</ref>

===Health===
Campbell has experienced various physical ailments in his later life. By 2001, at age 46, Campbell could barely close his fist due to [[arthritis]] in his hands.<ref name=SI>{{cite magazine|last1=Nack|first1=William|title=The Wrecking Yard|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=May 7, 2001|volume=94|issue=19|url=https://www.si.com/vault/2001/05/07/303033/the-wrecking-yard-as-they-limp-into-the-sunset-retired-nfl-players-struggle-with-the-games-grim-legacy-a-lifetime-of-disability-and-pain|access-date=July 2, 2016}}</ref> He developed [[foot drop]] due to nerve damage in his legs, and has difficulty bending his back and knees.<ref name=SI/><ref>{{cite news|title=Time hits back|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=888&dat=20070714&id=Nm4mAAAAIBAJ&pg=3174,2638721&hl=en|access-date=July 2, 2016|work=St. Petersburg Times|date=July 14, 2007|page=1C}}</ref> Campbell was diagnosed with [[spinal stenosis]] in 2009.<ref name=Campbell>{{cite web|last1=Campbell|first1=Earl|title=Earl Campbell: Addiction To Painkillers And His Campaign To Help Others|url=http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/men-action/201310/earl-campbell-fighting-painkiller-addiction-football-vicodin-oxycontin-spinal|website=thepostgame.com|publisher=Sports Media Ventures|access-date=July 2, 2016|date=October 29, 2013|archive-date=October 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030055806/http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/men-action/201310/earl-campbell-fighting-painkiller-addiction-football-vicodin-oxycontin-spinal|url-status=dead}}</ref> Because of his difficulty walking, Campbell uses a cane or a walker, and a wheelchair for longer distances.<ref name=Garber>{{cite web|last1=Garber|first1=Greg|title=Campbell is paying price for hard-hitting style|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs03/columns/story?id=1722403&columnist=garber_greg|website=ESPN|access-date=July 2, 2016|date=February 1, 2004}}</ref><ref name=price>{{cite news|title=Campbell's body now paying the price|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1350&dat=20070701&id=sHNPAAAAIBAJ&pg=6709,156553&hl=en|work=Toledo Blade|access-date=July 2, 2016|agency=Associated Press|date=July 1, 2007|page=C-12}}</ref> At first, he maintained the ailments were genetic,<ref name=price/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Brown|first1=Chip|title=Campbell struggles to walk these days|url=http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/sports/2007/07/07/campbell_dmn.ART_ART_07-07-07_C1_CD77MB5.html|access-date=July 2, 2016|work=The Columbus Dispatch|date=July 7, 2007|archive-date=August 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809023111/http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/sports/2007/07/07/campbell_dmn.ART_ART_07-07-07_C1_CD77MB5.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> but said in 2012, "I think some of it came from playing football, playing the way I did."<ref name=Fox/><ref name=Strauss>{{cite web|last1=Strauss|first1=Chris|title=Earl Campbell: Goodell has to 'let football be football'|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon/2013/03/22/earl-campbell-complains-about-new-helmet-rule/2009151/|work=USA Today|access-date=July 2, 2016|date=March 22, 2013}}</ref>

In 2009, Campbell became addicted to painkillers prescribed for his spinal stenosis, taking as many as ten [[Oxycodone|OxyContin]] pills a day with [[Budweiser]].<ref name=Campbell/><ref name=Strauss/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Anderson|first1=Dane|title=Football legend speaks out about toughest opponent|url=http://www.statesman.com/news/news/local/football-legend-speaks-out-about-toughest-opponent/nXQHL/|access-date=July 2, 2016|work=Austin American-Statesman|date=April 18, 2013|archive-date=August 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820105109/http://www.statesman.com/news/news/local/football-legend-speaks-out-about-toughest-opponent/nXQHL/|url-status=dead}}</ref> He went through [[Drug rehabilitation|rehabilitation]] and broke his addiction the same year, and since publicizing the incident in 2013, has spoken out about the dangers of substance abuse.<ref name=Campbell/>

==See also==
* [[List of Texas Longhorns football All-Americans]]
* [[List of NCAA major college football yearly rushing leaders]]
* [[List of NCAA major college football yearly scoring leaders]]
* [[List of first overall National Football League draft picks]]
* [[List of Tennessee Titans first-round draft picks]]

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* {{Profootballhof|40}}
* {{College Football HoF|1959}}
* {{Heisman|earl-campbell}}
* {{Footballstats |nfl=earl-campbell |espn= |cbs= |yahoo= |fox= |si= |pfr=C/CampEa00 |rotoworld= }}

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