**CONGRATULATIONS: Texas Legend Earl Campbell has been named one of the 100 most influential people in sports by TIME 100 magazine, marking a milestone that cements his reputation.**
Earl Campbell, the iconic Texas Longhorn and NFL legend, has been recognized by *TIME* magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in sports—a prestigious honor that celebrates not only his storied playing career but also his lasting impact on the game and beyond. For decades, Campbell has symbolized the power, perseverance, and pride of football in Texas and across the country. Now, with this recognition, his influence has been immortalized on an even broader stage, showing that his contributions to sports, culture, and community continue to resonate deeply.
Campbell’s influence began on the fields of Tyler, Texas, where he was born in 1955 and raised in a large family. From a young age, he displayed a rare combination of brute strength and athletic finesse. Playing for John Tyler High School, Campbell quickly emerged as a standout player, leading his team to a state championship and drawing national attention for his fearless running style. His high school success paved the way for a scholarship to the University of Texas, where he would become a legend in his own right.
At Texas, Campbell’s career took flight under the coaching of Darrell Royal and Fred Akers. As a running back for the Longhorns, he wore the burnt orange jersey with pride and purpose. He became a dominant force in college football, earning the nickname “The Tyler Rose.” His senior season in 1977 was nothing short of extraordinary. Campbell led the nation in rushing yards, scored 19 touchdowns, and became the first University of Texas player to win the Heisman Trophy. That year, he was also awarded the Walter Camp Award and the Davey O’Brien Memorial Trophy. His relentless, punishing running style captivated fans and scouts alike, blending old-school physicality with an unstoppable will to win. It was clear to all that Campbell wasn’t just a player—he was a phenomenon.
The NFL welcomed Campbell as the first overall pick in the 1978 draft, selected by the Houston Oilers. He made an immediate impact, rushing for 1,450 yards and 13 touchdowns in his rookie season, earning Rookie of the Year honors and his first of five Pro Bowl selections. Over the next several seasons, Campbell redefined the running back position. He was known for his ferocious runs that often left defenders in his wake—or on the ground. His 1980 season, in which he rushed for a staggering 1,934 yards and 13 touchdowns, remains one of the most dominant performances in league history.
Campbell’s effect on the game was both physical and psychological. He set a new standard for toughness and became the face of the “Luv Ya Blue” Oilers, a team that united the city of Houston and inspired fans across Texas. Playing under head coach Bum Phillips, Campbell’s punishing runs were the centerpiece of the team’s offense and its identity. When Campbell carried the ball, it wasn’t just a play—it was an event. He bulldozed through defensive lines, often dragging multiple tacklers with him, a style that earned admiration from fans and respect from opponents. His brand of football was as much about grit and heart as it was about talent, making him a true embodiment of Texas football.
However, the very style that made Campbell so beloved also took a toll on his body. After being traded to the New Orleans Saints in 1984, he retired from the NFL in 1985. Despite playing only eight seasons, his impact was profound and enduring. He retired with over 9,400 rushing yards and 74 touchdowns, and his accolades continued to pour in. In 1991, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and his legacy was celebrated not just as a player, but as a symbol of excellence, integrity, and resilience.
But Campbell’s influence extends far beyond the football field. After retirement, he remained deeply connected to his Texas roots and began a new chapter as a businessman, philanthropist, and public figure. He founded Earl Campbell Meat Products, which became a successful brand across the Southwest, serving as an example of how athletes can transition to business while staying grounded in their community. His entrepreneurial journey showed a different side of the sports icon—a man focused on building generational wealth and opportunity for his family and community.
Perhaps more importantly, Campbell has used his platform to advocate for health awareness and athlete welfare. Having dealt with numerous physical ailments related to his football career—including back problems, arthritis, and nerve damage—Campbell has become a vocal advocate for medical research, pain management reform, and better support systems for former athletes. His courage in speaking about his struggles, especially during a time when the long-term effects of football-related injuries were still a developing topic, helped shine a light on the need for better treatment, policy, and compassion for retired players. In doing so, he has inspired countless others facing similar challenges and brought attention to a critical issue within professional sports.
His humility and candor have endeared him to a new generation. While many remember the punishing runs and bone-crushing hits, today’s fans also admire Campbell for his vulnerability and honesty. He has spoken openly about mental health, addiction, and the transition to life after football—topics often neglected in the broader conversation about sports. By sharing his story, Campbell has helped break down stigmas and promote a more holistic approach to athlete wellness.
In 2021, the University of Texas renamed its football field to “Campbell-Williams Field” in honor of Earl Campbell and fellow Longhorn great Ricky Williams. This rare dual tribute recognized the legacy of two men who helped define the program and elevate it to national prominence. The field naming was more than a ceremonial gesture—it was a profound acknowledgment of Campbell’s enduring influence on college football, the university, and the state of Texas.
Now, with his inclusion in the *TIME 100* list of most influential figures in sports, Campbell joins a rarified group of athletes, coaches, executives, and changemakers whose work transcends the game. The honor is not just about past achievements, but about lasting impact—something Campbell has embodied throughout his life. It is recognition of a life lived with purpose, grit, and humility, and a career that has inspired generations on and off the field.
In selecting Campbell, *TIME* noted not only his football accolades but his ongoing efforts in community engagement, advocacy, and mentorship. He remains active in supporting youth sports initiatives, especially in under-resourced communities across Texas. His foundation and charitable work focus on education, health, and empowerment—values he has championed for decades. These initiatives, often carried out quietly and without fanfare, have helped countless young people pursue opportunities, stay active, and believe in themselves.
What makes Campbell’s legacy so enduring is that it continues to evolve. Whether through his influence on younger players, his community outreach, or his candid reflections on pain and perseverance, he remains a vital presence in the conversation about sports, race, health, and resilience. His story is about more than football—it’s about determination, transformation, and the power of staying true to oneself even in the face of adversity.
Even today, decades after his last game, Earl Campbell continues to be a cultural touchstone. Fans still wear his jersey. Young running backs still study his film. Coaches still reference his toughness. Broadcasters and writers still tell stories about his epic runs through defenders. And now, with this *TIME* 100 honor, new generations will learn about his broader impact—about the man behind the legend, and the values he represents.
Campbell has said many times that he doesn’t measure success just by touchdowns or trophies, but by the lives he’s touched. If that’s the measure, then this honor is not just well-deserved—it’s long overdue. His influence has crossed eras, transcended the sport, and woven itself into the fabric of American athletics and culture.
There are few athletes who become bigger than their sport. Earl Campbell is one of them. He played with heart, lived with humility, and continues to lead with purpose. For Texas, for football, and for those who believe in the power of perseverance, Campbell remains a beacon. And with this new recognition by *TIME*, his story enters a global spotlight—reminding the world that true greatness isn’t just measured in yards gained or records broken, but in lives changed.
So congratulations, Earl Campbell—The Tyler Rose, the Longhorn legend, the NFL powerhouse, and now, one of *TIME*’s 100 most influential people in sports. Your journey, your impact, and your spirit continue to inspire us all.
