Earl Campbell, Running Back (1974-1977)
The man nicknamed the Tyler Rose as he is a product of Tyler, Texas. Campbell joined Texas in 1974. As a freshman, Campbell played in 11 games while rushing for 928 yards and six touchdowns. Campbell finished his career at Texas with 4,443 yards rushing and 40 touchdowns.
In his final regular season game of his collegiate career, Campbell rushed for 222 yards which was a career high against Texas A&M, leading the Longhorns to victory. He scored twice that game and his 23-yard run in the fourth quarter gave Texas a 47-28 lead and the Longhorns would go on to win 57-28 that season. They would lose to Notre Dame in the Cotton Bowl that year.
Earl Campbell’s best season overall came during his senior season when he tallied 1,744 yards on 267 carries and 18 touchdowns. His performance earned him the Heisman Trophy and he was the first Longhorn to win the prestigious award. Campbell was selected number one overall in the 1978 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. He played for them until 1983 and played the final two years for New Orleans.
During his NFL career, Campbell rushed for 9,407 yards and 74 touchdowns. In 1980, he had a career high 1,934 yards. At that time it was the most yards in a season since 1973 when O.J. Simpson ran for 2,003 yards. It is still the eighth most rushing yards in a single season.
Accolades:
College Football Hall of Fame
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Three-time NFL All-Pro
NFL Rookie of The Year (1978)
NFL Most Valuable Player (1979)
Two-Time All-American
Davey O’Brien Memorial Trophy Winner
Heisman Trophy Winner
Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans Ring of Honor
Number 20 jersey retired by Texas
NFL 1970’s All-Decade Team