Who is Earl Campbell?
Earl Campbell is a former American football player who played as a running back for the University of Texas and the Houston Oilers in the National Football League (NFL). He won the Heisman Trophy in 1977 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991.
Campbell was a three-time NFL rushing champion and named the NFL Most Valuable Player in 1979. Despite his short career, he is considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
| About | Info |
| Full Name | Earl Campbell |
| Profession | Former American Football Player |
| Popular For | 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. |
Birthday and Zodiac
| Age (As of 2023) | 68 year old |
| Date of Birth | March 29, 1955 |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Birth Place | Tyler, Texas, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
Education
| School | Tyler High School |
| University | Moody College of Communication & The University of Texas at Austin |
Physical Stats
| Height | Five ft. 11 in (1.8 m) |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Weight | 105 kg (231 lbs.) |
Net Worth
| Estimated Net Worth | $25 Million |
Family and Relationship
| Father | Bert Campbell |
| Mother | Ann Campbell |
| Spouse | Reuna Smith (m. 1980) |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Children | Christian Campbell, Tyler Campbell |
Social Media
| Social Media |
Biography Timeline
He is a former American football player who played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. He is considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991. Campbell’s success on the football field earned him numerous accolades and a lasting legacy in the sport.
- 1955: He was born on March 29, in Tyler, Texas.
- 1972-1974: Played high school football at John Tyler High School in Tyler, Texas.
- 1974-1977: Played college football at the University of Texas at Austin, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1977.
- 1978: He was drafted by the Houston Oilers as the first overall pick in the NFL Draft.
- 1978-1984: Played for the Houston Oilers, where he quickly established himself as one of the best running backs in the league. He won the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award three times during this period.
- 1984-1985: He was traded to the New Orleans Saints, where he played for two seasons.
- 1986: Returned to the Houston Oilers for his final NFL season.
- 1991: He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- 1999: He was named to the Sports Illustrated NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team.
- 2006: He was named one of the “100 Greatest College Football Players of All Time” by ESPN.
- 2011: Earl, Tyler Rose Award was established to honour the top offensive player in Division I football with ties to the state of Texas.
Early Life and Education
Earl was born “Early Christian Campbell” on March 29, 1955, in Tyler, Texas, to Ann Campbell and B.C. Campbell. He grew up in poverty and faced racial discrimination during his childhood. Earl’s parents divorced when he was young, and he lived with his mother and siblings.
He attended John Tyler High School, where he played football and track. He set several school records and was highly recruited by colleges nationwide. He eventually chose to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where he became a standout player and won the Heisman Trophy in 1977.
Professional Career
He was drafted first overall by the Houston Oilers in the 1978 NFL Draft. He quickly became one of the league’s most dominant running backs, earning Rookie of the Year honours in his first season. Campbell’s powerful running style earned him the nickname “The Tyler Rose,” He led the league in rushing three times during his career.
He was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1979 and was selected to five Pro Bowls. Campbell was switched to the New Orleans Saints in 1984 and retired after the 1985 season due to injuries. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991.
Wife and Kids
He has been married to Reuna Smith since 1980, and they have two sons, Christina and Tyler. His older son, Christian, played football for the University of Houston and briefly in the NFL. Tyler is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Earl has been open about his struggles with health issues, including degenerative nerve damage and arthritis, which he believes are a result of his football career. He has also advocated for former NFL players and their health care. In his retirement, Campbell has been involved in various business ventures and remains a prominent figure in the Texas football community.
Legacy
His legacy as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history is undeniable. He was a dominant player during his career, known for his powerful running style and ability to break tackles. Campbell was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991, and his number 34 was retired by the University of Texas.
In 2003, he was named to the College Football Hall of Fame. Campbell has also been recognized for his philanthropic work, including founding the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, given annually to the Top offensive player in college football with Texas ties.
Wheelchair
Earl has been seen using a wheelchair due to various health issues, including knee and back problems and the effects of a degenerative spinal condition. He has also been diagnosed with spinal stenosis, which causes the narrowing of the spinal column and can lead to nerve damage.
Campbell has undergone several surgeries to address these issues, including spinal fusion surgery. Despite his health challenges, Campbell remains active in his community and is involved in various philanthropic efforts, including raising awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment of spinal conditions.
Net Worth
His net worth is approximately $25 million. This includes earnings from his football career, as well as his various business ventures and endorsements.
Trivia
- His nickname was “The Tyler Rose” in honour of his hometown of Tyler, Texas.
- He was the first player in NFL history to rush for over 200 yards in a game in college and the pros.
- He was part of the inaugural class of inductees into the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame.
- He was known for wearing thigh pads outside his football pants, which became a trend among other players.
- He was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine six times during his football career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Earl Campbell is a former American football player who played in the National Football League (NFL) from 1978 to 1985.
He was born on March 29, 1955, in Tyler, Texas, United States.
He played the running back position in the NFL.
He played for the Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints during his NFL career.
His net worth is estimated at around $25 million.
Yes, He has won several awards, including the Heisman Trophy in 1977 and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991.
Yes, He is married. He has been married to his wife Reuna since 1980, and they have two children together.
His nickname is “The Tyler Rose,” which refers to his hometown of Tyler, Texas.
His charitable foundation is called The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Foundation, which supports student-athletes and their education.
No, He is retired from football but occasionally appears as a commentator or analyst for football games.
In addition to his football career, He has been involved in several business ventures, including a barbecue sauce line and a restaurant chain.
Yes, He has had several health issues, including arthritis and nerve damage.
His most famous game was likely the 1977 Texas vs. Arkansas game, where he rushed for 222 yards and two touchdowns.
He advises young football players to work hard, stay focused, and never give up on their dreams.