Earl Campbell

Earl Campbell was one of the most powerful and feared running backs in NFL history. Known as “The Tyler Rose,” Campbell made an immediate impact after being drafted first overall in 1978 by the Houston Oilers.

He led the league in rushing his first three seasons and won NFL MVP in 1979. Campbell's bruising running style, relentless effort, and ability to carry defenders defined his Hall of Fame career.

In just eight seasons, he rushed for over 9,400 yards and 74 touchdowns, earning five Pro Bowl selections. Though injuries shortened his career, his dominance during the late 1970s and early ’80s left a lasting legacy.

Campbell was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991, recognized not just for his statistics, but for how he changed the running back position with unmatched physicality and heart.

Campbell's Awards and Honors

• PFWA All-Rookie Team (1978)
• Titans/Oilers Ring of Honor
• Tennessee Titans No. 34 retired
• Heisman Trophy (1977)
• Davey O'Brien Memorial Trophy (1977)
• SN Player of the Year (1977)
• Chic Harley Award (1977)
• Unanimous All-American (1977)
• First-team All-American (1975)
• 3× First-team All-SWC (1974, 1975, 1977)
• Texas Longhorns No. 20 retired
• Texas Sports Hall of Fame
• Houston Sports Hall of Fame

NFL records

• 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 (1978–1980)
• 5× Pro Bowl (1978–1981, 1983)
• 3× NFL rushing yards leader (1978–1980)
• 2× NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1979, 1980)
• NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
• NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

NFL/AFL Teams

Houston Oilers (1978–1984)
New Orleans Saints (1984–1985)

NFL draft:
1978: 1st round, 1st pick
Houston Oilers

Numbers Worn:
34, 35