EarlCampbell

Earl Christian Campbell is a former running back born March 29, 1955, in Tyler, Texas (5'11", 232 lbs). He won the Heisman Trophy at Texas and was the first overall pick of the Houston Oilers in the 1978 NFL Draft. He's the 1979 NFL MVP, three-time Offensive Player of the Year, and five-time Pro Bowler, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991.

Campbell was an instant sensation in the NFL, leading the league in rushing as a rookie and sweeping every major MVP and Offensive Player of the Year honor in each of his first three seasons — a stretch during which he averaged nearly 1,700 rushing yards annually. His punishing, downhill running style, favoring contact over evasion, fueled the Oilers' "Luv Ya Blue" era and three straight playoff appearances under coach Bum Phillips.

His signature season came in 1980, when he rushed for 1,934 yards and set a still-standing record with four 200-yard games. But the physical toll of his style led to a decline, and after a trade to New Orleans in 1984, Campbell retired in 1986 rather than chase a personal rushing milestone, saying the beating had taken too much of a toll.

Campbell finished his career with 9,407 rushing yards and 74 touchdowns, and was inducted into both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame. In his post-playing years, he's spoken openly about the physical price of his career, including chronic pain and a battle with opioid addiction he later publicized to raise awareness.

Campbell remains a Texas icon, honored with a State Hero designation and a stretch of highway named for him in his hometown of Tyler.