Celebrating East Texas Legends: Earl Campbell

During the month of February it is observed as Black History Month.

Created by American historian Carter G. Woodson, Black History Week began on February 12th, 1926 and as part of the bicentennial the week was expanded into Black History Month in 1976.

We are paying tribute to notable African Americans who made contributions we are honoring men and woman who have ties to East Texas.

Today we shine a spotlight on the "Tyler Rose" Earl Campbell.

Former NFL running back Earl Campbell was born March 29th, 1955 in Tyler, Texas.

Campbell started playing football in the fifth grade as a kicker, and moved to linebacker in sixth grade after watching NFL Hall of Fame linebacker from the Chicago Bears Dick Butkus.

In 1973, Earl lead John Tyler High School to the Texas 4A State Championship which was the largest classification in the state and later that season was named Mr. Football USA along with the National High School Player of the Year.

Earl continued his football success at the University of Texas where he won the Heisman Trophy and All-American honors during his senior year.

In 1978, Campbell was drafted by the Houston Oilers in the first round and earned Rookie of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year.

Within his first three seasons he averaged close to 1,700 yards per season.

Earl Campbell also played with the New Orleans Saints before retiring in the NFL Pre-Season in 1986 where he finished his career having carried 2,187 times for 9,407 yards and 74 touchdowns in the regular season.

Earl Campbell’s jersey number was retired by the University of Texas, and the Tennessee Titans.

Earl Campbell was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991.