Number Five- Running Back Earl Campbell
A statue of Earl Campbell stands outside Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium, where the Texas powerhouse starred from 1974-1977. In his final year, Campbell won the nation’s rushing title, the nation’s scoring title and the Heisman Trophy.
Earl Campbell is the only Texas Longhorn to make the top five of the all-time list. Ironically enough the top eight which includes Williams, are all running backs. Campbell was the first ever Longhorn to win the Heisman Trophy. The two-time All-American also won the Davey O’Brien Award and has his number retired by Texas.
The man nicknamed the “Tyler Rose” even has a college football award that is presented annually.
The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award will be presented annually to the nation’s outstanding Division I offensive player who meets one or more of the following criteria:
- Born in Texas
- Graduated from a Texas High School or
- Played at a Texas-based junior college or jour-year college.
The player must also exhibit the enduring characteristics that define Earl Campbell, including integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, community and tenacity. Specifically tenacity to persist, drive, determination to overcome adversity and injury in pursuit of reaching goals.
Campbell went on to the NFL to become a five-time Pro Bowl selection, three time NFL All-Pro, MVP, Offensive Rookie of the Year among so many other accolades. The number one overall pick in the 1978 NFL Draft was also named to the NFL’s 100th anniversary All-Time team.