I got to hang out with Earl a few times. One of the great guys ever. His time spent visiting Texas Childrens Hospital was mostly unknown. He wore scrubs to help kids get over a fear of doctors. Great man.
I'm a native Houstonian, born in '73, and Earl Campbell was my childhood idol. I recall at a young age telling my parents I wanted to be like him. Sadly I never played football, but I've done my best to be a gentleman, and to this day I have the utmost respect for him. Thanks for sharing this!
"I don't know if he's in a class by himself, but I do know that when that class gets together, it sure don't take long to call the roll." - Bum Phillips -
I love Earl Campbell, but let's not forget about the original power back with nightmare speed.....Jim Brown.....are we sure Campbell was BETTER than Jim Brown? Lots more film on Campbell which makes a compelling argument.....but Brown may have been the GOAT of big power backs with sprinter speed.
I was born in ‘93 and always wanted to play running back. I too do not have any finesse, I just had size and power. In 2007 my 7th grade football coach gave me number 34 and told me to watch videos of Earl Campbell on some website called “RUclips”. I also asked my dad who Earl Campbell was and he went on for hours. Ever since, I’ve always had such high respect for this man. I met him at a signing years after high school. They always say “Don’t meet your heroes”. But I’m glad I did. He was a man’s man and a very fine gentleman. He was more interested in my Navy career and my life. Thanks Earl.
Dude is a class act. Meet him 3 times(talking for 10-15min) and waved 2x and knuckle bumped him 2 other times at Texans games. When I saw him at a signing he recognized me and said "Come over here and shake my hand." Kept saying how odd it was we saw each other. This was during a 5-6yr span when Texans were just starting early 2000's . My childhood hero! Pretty sure I watched him in every Oilers game. Monday night vs Miami will always be a highlight for me.
Howard Cosell on MNF was amazed by the Tyler Rose and the Dolphin linebacker that chased him made a commercial with EC where he was chasing Earl. Cool to watch. Skoal commercial line was "Skoal brother"
The sad thing is that all the pounding he took and all those carries eventually came back to bite him. The surgeries, the degenerative conditions, Earl Campbell is now confined to a wheelchair. He is the extreme example of what could happen to a football player after retiring. Even worse he had to battle opioid addiction, alcoholism, and suicide. Thankfully he has a good support in his adult kids.
Yeah, it's called "the trade off" = what MEN are willing to accept as the price for greatness. Never heard Mr Campbell complain about what you mentioned = PRECISELY WHY we know his name and not yours.
@@damedan9389 and Earl has the pleasure having a successful business to fall back on in case of hard times. Many played football before the huge salary increases of free agency of the 90's didn't have that luxury and those who suffered chronic injuries that wiped out their earnings and savings. The NFL tossed many of those players like they were used tissues after they were used up. It took a major lawsuit and the NFL basically paying almost a billion dollars for the NFL to actually start caring about the players.
The city of Houston said good riddance to the owner of the Oilers when they moved to Nashville. Shame when a player like EC gets drafted by a cheap team.
How about considering the true most fear running back who also is the only running back who’s ever been flagged for unnecessary roughness from a running back with a stiff arm? Does Larry Csonka come to mind?
I don't recall that, I know one collision was on a sideline and both went tumbling in opposite directions. Of course there could have been another instance as they probably met morethan once
An epic collision, indeed! Two of the NFL's all-time great warriors. Jack's hit eventually brought Earl down but not until after Earl had crossed the goal line. I don't think any other player in the NFL could have gotten past Jack 'The Assassin' Tatum. Years later, Earl would say that Jack's hit sent a tingling sensation throughout his entire body, from the top of his head, down his spine, to his toes. He concluded by saying that the tingling sensation never went away. Ever!
You sure?… I’m not 100% sure, but I distinctly remember HEARING that play on the radio in my bedroom because the Oiler couldn’t sell out the dome.. lol.. I’ve seen it many times, since, but I don’t think anyone in Houston saw it that day?..
You didn’t mention his speed for a big man and his stride, he was just as dangerous in the open field as he was running into and over defenders! He may have not played that long but he left a lifetime of memories. A real PRO !
Don't know about the best power back. Jim Brown, Marshawn Lynch, Adrian Peterson, Jerome Bettis, Derrick Henry, Larry Czonka, John Taylor, Jon Higgins are in the conversation.
I had a buddy that played linebacker at SMU during the Earl Campbell era. He told us about stepping in the hole, putting a perfect form tackle on Earl , getting up a staggered to the TEXAS bench they sent him home, opposite sideline, and he swears he didn't remember all the next week. Showed it to him on game films. Perfect form, no memory.
he was a beast.....watched most of his career never seen a back straight maul thru linebackers like Cambell, a CB or safety had no chance so glad i was able to see NFL in 70s and 80s.....I haven't watched Football since early 2000s
I love Earl Campbell, but let's not forget about the original power back with nightmare speed.....Jim Brown.....are we sure Campbell was BETTER than Jim Brown? Lots more film on Campbell which makes a compelling argument.....but Brown may have been the GOAT of big power backs with sprinter speed.
Moved from Chicago to Houston in "77" from Sweetness to the Tyler Rose! Earl Campbell was a Great Power Running Back! U watched him run a bunch of teams over! Even my beloved Chicago Bears! I still believe if they would've thought him to catch the ball out the backfield more! Might not have been worn out as fast! Campbell was a Beast! The Pittsburgh Game where Donny Shell hit Earl almost cutting him in half? But still managed to fall sideways from midfield into the corner of the End Zone! It was the Greatest Power Run I've ever seen in the NFL! I just think the Oilers used him up! Just like the Astros and JR Richards!
Earl Campbell was the Original Beatmode the Tyler Rose Icon he was a impactful player the former University of Texas Longhorns won the Heisman Trophy in 1977 but he was a 1st Round 1st overall pick in the 1978 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers back then but he ment everything the heart & soul to the franchise in those days on Monday Night Football vs Miami Dolphins he had 4TDS in a big time win he's won Rookie of the year and NFL MVP although he came close in 1978 and 1979 going to his 1st Super Bowl but at he's the Champion to people in Texas heart no matter what!
I love Earl Campbell, but let's not forget about the original power back with nightmare speed.....Jim Brown.....are we sure Campbell was BETTER than Jim Brown? Lots more film on Campbell which makes a compelling argument.....but Brown may have been the GOAT of big power backs with sprinter speed.
By far my favorite player of all time and still happy he finished his career with my Saints. He was the single reason that made me a football fan and I wish I kept the wall poster I had of him. It's sad and a crying shame Texans fans don't appreciate him. During pregame festivities at Reliant Stadium in Houston, they brought him out on the field and sadly he was using a walker. His legs just aren't what they once were but I stood up in my Saints jersey along with my family and cheered and clapped for him, and as I looked around I saw only a handful of Texans fans standing for him. Truly sad to see that and I hope they come to appreciate him and show it to him.
I am a former subscriber to Sirius. My favorite show was Mad Dog Unleashed. One time there was a caller, "Earl from Texas". He was just chatting about football (the specific topic I forget) but he said something like "as a former pro athlete" which caused Russo to start asking probing questions and realized he was talking to Earl Campbell. A legend of the NFL called as any other caller would.
I know the contact took a toll on his body later in life but growing up as a kid and watching this man play was a thrill and there will never be another Earl Campbell an absolute NFL legend.
Earl is a Texas legend, no doubt. I live around Austin and know many who have crossed paths with him and they all say he is such a nice and humble man.
I watched him play when him play for Texas being an Oklahoma fan, I thought, wow what a badass! Then, I watched him play at the Oilers. There will never be a power back like him again.
Love him. Oilers fan at age 5. We drafted him and I asked my Dad where he came from, in wonder. He answered seriously and plainly, the University of Texas. I asked what that was and he said it was a college. After a brief exchanged revealing what and where college was, I said I'm going there. He patted my head. I did up going there.
Loved Earl my enitre life. He lite up the SWC. Then stayed home to play pro. " Love Ya Blue " Thanks for the great football Earl. And your sausages are freaking great too!!
Long time Detroit lions sufferer. 60 years old. Anytime earl was on TV you stopped to watch him.pure power. We had Billy Sims in 1980. Probably one of the most underrated backs in league history. Career cut short by injury. Then berry came along. At least we had Billy and berry to watch through the agony.
In my early teens, I was privileged to watch this man play on Sundays. More than 40 years watching the NFL, and yet to see any other back as POWERFUL and productive. The original “Beast Mode “ Earl Campbell.
Earls a legend ! I grew up down the road from him. He never forgot where he came from. He was always friendly, & had time to talk to you if you were lucky enough to cross his path. Luv ya Blue !
Earl was a down to earth kind and gentle man. I was his bus driver Thanksgiving day when the oilers beat the cowboys and earl rushed for over 200 yards that day. Earl took 5 minutes to talk to a bus driver. We talked about how he took care of his mother who lived in Tyler. I also had followed him when he was a Longhorn. To take time with me after his big game. I thought it was nice
THE 'TYLER ROSE' EARL CAMPBELL#34 IS A LEGEND .. IN MY OPINION .. THE MOST FEARED RB IN NFL 🏈 HISTORY .. THE GREATEST PLAYER OF ALL-TIME .. JIM BROWN#32 ..
Earl Campbell is one of my all-time favorite running backs. What a real beast! I'm just sorry that he has suffered so much after retiring from all the immense punishment that he took (and dished out). Earl was one-of-a-kind.
As a kid my favorite VHS tape was called the "Super 70's" and it was a NFL documentary. It was about the running backs of the 70's and is a must see!!! ( Earl Campbell, o.j Simpson, Tony Dorsett, Franco Harris, Walter Payton and etc.)
Well I have to say as a Steelers fan my guys respected Earl Campbell but we didn't FEAR him. That being said he was one of the most dominant backs to have played in the league.
@@davidhenson6337 yeah - it was legal back in the 70’s…. Very different game today slanted toward Offense…. Mel Blount was so good, the NFL came up with the Mel Blount rule….. It might have been the 1976 season - they went 1-4 then win the rest of there games picking 5 shutouts…. Allowed 9.9 points per game…. This might have been there best team in the 70’s. Injuries all around shut their playoffs down
@@user-tn6dk6rz5x Oh, I know it was legal. Not trying to take anything away from Shell. As an Oiler fan it mad me really mad though. All the Steeler db's, along with the Raiders db's, were headhunters. It was a mans game back then. I remember the Browns had a lineman named Turkey Joe Jones, he picked up Bradshaw and basically turned him upside down and threw him down on his head. I don't recall there being much, if any, discipline handed down. The game is watered down today. Same has happened to baseball, basketball and to a lesser extent hockey.
@@davidhenson6337 hockey watered down for sure, basketball I think they just changed the rules over time or not adhering to them.. traveling palming etc Free agency has changed a lot too in baseball and football for sure - good for the players… not so much for the teams
I saw this man play the Rams in Anaheim back in the day. I’d seen Foreman, Peyton, Dorsett, Harris, Bell, Craig, van Eeghen, etc in person. NEVER had I seen before or have I seen AFTER a back run with the POWER this man possessed. From the stands you could hear the clashing of their gear when he made contact. Campbell looked like a grown man playing against a Pop Warner team.
Sorry folks, I was at UT when Earl won the Heisman, and I have the greatest admiration and respect for him and his abilities. But, I've seen them all since 1958, and Earl is the #2 power back, a half step behind Jim Brown.
@hardcorehouse You are probably right in the physicality department, but overall, I rate Brown a half step better. Did you ever see him play, I mean entire games, and seasons? Or, have you only seen highlights?
Turf was the problem, not running style. The padding under that old school turf was non existent. Also no help. The passing game for Houston was absent.
I was a kid growing up in Houston during the Luv You Blue days and it was great seeing Bum and Mr, Cambell rule the Astrodome! But even better was Mr Campbell was a member of my Dads racket ball club and since my dad was a UT alum he and Mr. Cambell would strike up a friendship and play each other in racketball! The thrill of my young life was to get into the court with them and hit the ball around before their match. He was so big that i often hit him with the ball! But he was always a soft spoken friendly and kind giant!
This video was very enlightening. Earl Campbell was one of a kind and a rare gem. If Campbell played for a better team, his stats would have been even more impressive.
Not necessarily....If he played on a team that had better offensive players, the offensive firepower would have been spread out more, and Campbell may not have gotten the ball as much, so his stats may have been less impressive.
So glad I was fortunate enough to be around to have seen Earl Campbell in his prime. He plowed through Defenses like fully load Mack truck and trailer. He was a nearly unstoppable beast. He crushed through my Chargers D back then like they were a college B team!
I wore 34 when I played in the 80s, because of Earl Campbell. He was faster than many DBs, stronger than the DL, and liked to run people over. He always seemed like a good person, who played hard, and enjoyed the game.
I met him in 1981. I was working at a Fast Food Restaurant called, "Ron's Fried Chicken". I was a Junior in HS and played football myself. I spent a lot of time pumping iron, but I also ran Track. Needless to say I looked pretty jacked for my age. One night after we just closed, while was taking out the old grease from the deep fat fryers to an outside storage area, someone drove up next to me. There were two black guys in a modest car. The driver pulled up to me on his side and he and his passenger quickly asked if we were still open. Of course I was tired and wanted to go home, but I told them we were and apologized for the inconvenience. As I spoke to the two men, I realized Earl was the one sitting in the passenger seat. I even blurted out, "Holy Shit, you're Earl Campbell"! He smiled real big and reached across the driver to shake my hand. As he held my hand in his grasp, he turned it so he could see my forearms (Yeah, I was kind of a mutant at that age and easily the strongest kid in my HS, but I tried to be humble about it and made it my mission in life to make friends with everyone). You can only imagine what an impression that made on me that night. I told them I would talk to the Manager to see if we can make an exception. So I went back inside with them walking in behind me. Well, being the only white employee, I wasn't sure if my Manager would allow an additional sale. Turns out Campbell was a legend to most Houstonians, but to the black community in Houston, Earl was a God. I didn't think to ask for an autograph because we had them in and out relatively quickly. However I did come away with one of my most cherished memories. And as for his persona. Earl Campbell was colossal when it came to his adoring fans. There may never be another like him
I grew up during the 70s, and I got to watch Earl Campbell in his prime, I did not get to see Jim Brown play, so I have to say till this day, Earl Campbell was the most physical and hardest runner that I have seen in my life. This was during the 70s when teams ran the ball 70% of the time. Everyone in the stadium knew that Earl Campbell was going to get 30 or more carries per game. Bum Phillips literally ran him into the ground. I heard that till this day Earl Campbell wakes up several times per night in pain from his football injuries, he literally put his health and well being on the line for his team, taking and delivering punishing blow after blow.
I grew up a Cowboys fan. However, I've always respected Earl Campbell and the way he played. And after his retirement, we all saw him as the true gentleman that he is.
Never a fan of the Oilers but Earl Campbell was the best I've ever seen. He was simply run to death by the Oilers resulting in a relatively short career. That Monday Night Game against Miami was incredible.
I was and still am a Cowboy's fan, but when my best friend and I acted out who we were when playing football in the yard, he was Tony Dorsett but I was always Earl Cambell. Even as a die-hard Cowboy's fan, I loved watching Earl Cambell.
My favorite back of all time. The best compliment I heard someone give Earl was Jack Lambert. He said when the NFL schedule came out every season. The first thing he looked for is when they played the Houston Earlers. Because they did not want to play against him early in the season.
I remember as a young boy 5 or 6 living in Houston. My brother entered a contest at Joskeys department store to be the oilers mascot for the day. He ended up winning and getting his name on the jumbo tron and got to meet all the player's in the locker room and a uniform. He got the helmet signed by all the player's including Earl and Moon. I was so jealous😂. What a cool experience.
One of my highschool coaches whom of which played DB at Baylor had to face him in high school and college. He referred to him as a “double-nutted stud”! Which is a Demigod-Tier compliment in Texas.
Watching him live he was the most amazing runner ever. His gift was insane. OJ, Gayle, Emmitt take a back seat. Raw power that has never been matched. Everyone knew he was getting the pigskin but he just ran over all. Including his own team players. Such a joy to watch. Jim brown is the only one that is equal or if you think, better. Insane power and vision.
Will never forget Notre Dame skunking UT 40-O for the Championship after Texas had gone unbeaten all season. They even had Earl's number that day. We were in shock. But watching Earl run was really thrilling! And as a Houstonian l can tell you Earl was the pride of the city when he ran over opposing players. Affable and genuine, a real Texas gentleman.
Absolutely! Like a truck! As I remember, Rare any would be tackler would attempt to tackle him head on. Usually side step then, hang on for the ride until help arrived.
Proud to be a John Tyler alumni and to play for the team. Earl Campbell is to us what's compared to the highest life standard....Mythical Icon. Thank you, Mr. Campbell, CUJO proud
Man oh man he was thrilling to watch as a kid! We had season tix for I think $20-30 each face value and wow it was exciting to watch him!!! We also had Billy “white shoes” Johnson on special teams and he also made for some exciting moments. Miss the Luv Ya Blue but the new Houston Texans are looking good. Earl was and is the best of the best and will always have a special place in Houston ❤s!!!
How cool! That is definitely one of the best regular season games ever played. I watched it on TV (I was 7), and I re-watch it from time to time. I was a Seattle fan, but Earl is still my all-time favorite back. Even beast mode is second place to Earl.
As a kid growing up I was amazed by Earl. That ruined me on what I thought a RB should be. I would take prime Earl over anybody ever. He paid the price for the way he ran the ball but he didn’t leave anything on the field. Ultimate respect
Earl Campbell is One of My Hero's when it comes to being the Best Powerhouse Running Back of All Time . I'm a Diehard Houston Oiler fan and will Always be a Houston Oiler fan even though they moved to Tennessee . But for Now, I'm a New Diehard Houston Texans fan . LET'S GO TEXANS 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯
It's true what they say about Earl, every time he came to Cincinnati Bengals he made them look like a high school team. I remember the Bengal trapping Earl in the backfield and he gained ten yards. Greatest Power Back of all time.
Houston's coach in his prime, Bum Phillips, said it perfectly. "He may not be in a class by himself, but whatever one he's in, it doesn't take long to call roll." Earl Campbell took a terrible beating. But in the classic refrain, "You should have seen the other guy!!" Beyond any doubt, the most powerful running back the game has seen. He carried the scars. He also carried "The Earlers" on his powerful shoulders during his stellar career.
My favorite football player of all time! Still wear his jersey and number! When these youngsters ask me who he was i just tell them to look him up on you tube and they always come back amazed of his abilities! That's Earl Campbell!💪❤
Still holds the NFL record for most 200 + yard games in a single season with 4 in 1980. Also tied for most consecutive 200+ yard games with 2 straight in 1980.
watched him in my youth. The most powerful man ever. That MNF in Houston vs Miami when you pushed that Miami man off the field to score was the most powerful sport moment I had ever seen.
Finally someone gives him some credit.. straight monster, literally gave his body up for the sport
I don't care if they do are not bud I know he is was the best. I was there.
Finally? Dude got in the hof in 2001 😂
@@MRKJ408 Best back ever took that long.. Dumb huh
@@bobnewfart7630 how u get offensive player of the year 3 times in a row and not make til then smh better yet first ever/only rookie to do so 👀
@@bobnewfart7630best ever? 🤣😂🤣
I got to hang out with Earl a few times. One of the great guys ever. His time spent visiting Texas Childrens Hospital was mostly unknown. He wore scrubs to help kids get over a fear of doctors. Great man.
Impactful! Thanks for sharing. 🤘
@@forrestmobley2599 I had written a comment above this. I was the bus driver !
You're 100% correct.
Earl remembered me 25 years later.
I shook his hand and got his autograph, a great man he was to me.
I'm a native Houstonian, born in '73, and Earl Campbell was my childhood idol. I recall at a young age telling my parents I wanted to be like him. Sadly I never played football, but I've done my best to be a gentleman, and to this day I have the utmost respect for him. Thanks for sharing this!
Earl is also my childhood hero!
That's dope
I'm in my late 40's and i still want to be Earl Campbell when I grow up!
You’re lucky you didn’t play, you might have ended up like Earl…like I did…
"I don't know if he's in a class by himself, but I do know that when that class gets together, it sure don't take long to call the roll." - Bum Phillips -
I love Earl Campbell, but let's not forget about the original power back with nightmare speed.....Jim Brown.....are we sure Campbell was BETTER than Jim Brown? Lots more film on Campbell which makes a compelling argument.....but Brown may have been the GOAT of big power backs with sprinter speed.
Bum Phillips and Jim Brown. Legends connected by a legend Campbell.
That might be one of the best quotes I've ever heard, that shit cold
I still think Jim Brown is the greatest football player ever.. And I’m a Houstonian/UT alum..
A beast on the field. A true gentleman off the field.
I was born in ‘93 and always wanted to play running back. I too do not have any finesse, I just had size and power. In 2007 my 7th grade football coach gave me number 34 and told me to watch videos of Earl Campbell on some website called “RUclips”. I also asked my dad who Earl Campbell was and he went on for hours. Ever since, I’ve always had such high respect for this man. I met him at a signing years after high school. They always say “Don’t meet your heroes”. But I’m glad I did. He was a man’s man and a very fine gentleman. He was more interested in my Navy career and my life. Thanks Earl.
Dude is a class act. Meet him 3 times(talking for 10-15min) and waved 2x and knuckle bumped him 2 other times at Texans games. When I saw him at a signing he recognized me and said "Come over here and shake my hand." Kept saying how odd it was we saw each other. This was during a 5-6yr span when Texans were just starting early 2000's . My childhood hero!
Pretty sure I watched him in every Oilers game. Monday night vs Miami will always be a highlight for me.
Too bad Earl was over the hill by the time he became a N. O. Saint ⚜️
Howard Cosell on MNF was amazed by the Tyler Rose and the Dolphin linebacker that chased him made a commercial with EC where he was chasing Earl. Cool to watch. Skoal commercial line was "Skoal brother"
My favorite player growing up. He rushed straight up to the line and shifted the entire line of players forward!!
The sad thing is that all the pounding he took and all those carries eventually came back to bite him. The surgeries, the degenerative conditions, Earl Campbell is now confined to a wheelchair. He is the extreme example of what could happen to a football player after retiring. Even worse he had to battle opioid addiction, alcoholism, and suicide. Thankfully he has a good support in his adult kids.
Yeah, it's called "the trade off" = what MEN are willing to accept as the price for greatness. Never heard Mr Campbell complain about what you mentioned = PRECISELY WHY we know his name and not yours.
@@damedan9389 and Earl has the pleasure having a successful business to fall back on in case of hard times. Many played football before the huge salary increases of free agency of the 90's didn't have that luxury and those who suffered chronic injuries that wiped out their earnings and savings. The NFL tossed many of those players like they were used tissues after they were used up. It took a major lawsuit and the NFL basically paying almost a billion dollars for the NFL to actually start caring about the players.
We were blessed to be able to watch him play so get over it and be grateful.
Very well spoken and speaking simply facts.. Earl was a true and is still a Spartan may God keep blessing this iron giant
@@WayoAguilarTalavera He's the GOAT, afaic.
During his years in Houston, people called the team the Earlers. He was the offense. The ultimate power running back.
And what people don't realize is that he was fast too.
The city of Houston said good riddance to the owner of the Oilers when they moved to Nashville. Shame when a player like EC gets drafted by a cheap team.
Yep. It's just too bad he didn't have an offensive line.
If he played today, he'd get flagged every carry for unnecessary roughness.
litterally left it all on the field.
THAT'S a warrior, youngsters.
Roughing the defense!!!😆
WTF?!?!😂
How about considering the true most fear running back who also is the only running back who’s ever been flagged for unnecessary roughness from a running back with a stiff arm? Does Larry Csonka come to mind?
@@mauricejenkins2819Derrick Henry 6-4 265lb..
@@hitek9too255 have you ever considered knowing what you’re talking about?🤡 how about 6 foot three 237 pounds clown.🤡😅🤐
@@mauricejenkins2819Jim Brown
Earl Campbell VS. Jack Tatum at the 1 yard line. Earl Scored the TD. Both Men knocked each other out.
EPIC
Dude, that was a gladiator matchup
I saw that!!!
I don't recall that, I know one collision was on a sideline and both went tumbling in opposite directions. Of course there could have been another instance as they probably met morethan once
An epic collision, indeed! Two of the NFL's all-time great warriors. Jack's hit eventually brought Earl down but not until after Earl had crossed the goal line. I don't think any other player in the NFL could have gotten past Jack 'The Assassin' Tatum.
Years later, Earl would say that Jack's hit sent a tingling sensation throughout his entire body, from the top of his head, down his spine, to his toes. He concluded by saying that the tingling sensation never went away. Ever!
You sure?… I’m not 100% sure, but I distinctly remember HEARING that play on the radio in my bedroom because the Oiler couldn’t sell out the dome.. lol..
I’ve seen it many times, since, but I don’t think anyone in Houston saw it that day?..
You didn’t mention his speed for a big man and his stride, he was just as dangerous in the open field as he was running into and over defenders! He may have not played that long but he left a lifetime of memories. A real PRO !
Exactly! He was a long strider for such a stocky runner. Actually looked graceful when breaking away down the sideline. Love me some EC.
Earl was a burner that's for sure. He showed that in the Monday night game against the Dolphins. Dude was fast.
"SKOAL, BABY!" Only the old-schooler's will know.
“Skoal, Brother” which I assumed was a play in the phrase soul brother.
@@tvc1848 That's it! Him and Walt Garrison on the commercials.
I remember that smokeless tobacco commercial Earl was my man and I come from the land of "Sweetness".
@@jameswalton3930 RIP Loved him myself. Just not enough to wear Kangaroos. lol
I remember
The BEST power back to ever EVER play.
Don't know about the best power back. Jim Brown, Marshawn Lynch, Adrian Peterson, Jerome Bettis, Derrick Henry, Larry Czonka, John Taylor, Jon Higgins are in the conversation.
I saw his last bowl game and his speed was crazy I did not know the beast he really was.
Walter Payton
U 🧢
Walter wasn’t a power back catch up
I had a buddy that played linebacker at SMU during the Earl Campbell era. He told us about stepping in the hole, putting a perfect form tackle on Earl , getting up a staggered to the TEXAS bench they sent him home, opposite sideline, and he swears he didn't remember all the next week. Showed it to him on game films. Perfect form, no memory.
R.I.P to Cedric Benson a former Texas Longhorn 1st Round 4th overall in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 2:55
He passed?
@@ontheotherhand463 Yes .. motorcycle accident
Damn, I remember him
@@chickenwings6061 Very sorry to hear that. May God rest his soul.
Cedric had huge cleats to fill. Campbell. Ricky Williams. And Cedric FILLED them. Rip Cedric
He’s got some good Hot Links!
Whoever is behind this channel is the GOAT 😄
Ight bro hop off the shmeat
Hi nonstop I watch all your videos
hi Nonstop 🫡
Oh man, it's nonstop. Love the videos❤
Can you do the insane rise of Brock Purdy next?
he was a beast.....watched most of his career
never seen a back straight maul thru linebackers like Cambell, a CB or safety had no chance
so glad i was able to see NFL in 70s and 80s.....I haven't watched Football since early 2000s
I was shocked seeing the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Donny Shell, pick him up and slam him .....
Jack Tatum, a 195-lb safety, lit Campbell up...
As a kid ..Watching Earl Campbell run was like watching a Tyson fight, you were just waiting for him to demolish someone.
That is the perfect analogy.
Watched him every chance I got . That guy was a force...
EARL = WHAT FOOTBALL WOULD BE CALLED IF IT WERE A RELIGION❤
Imagine that your CAREER LOW stats being 90% of players' at your position, career high. = you're the greatest EVER at that position. 🎉🎉🎉😅😅😅
I love Earl Campbell, but let's not forget about the original power back with nightmare speed.....Jim Brown.....are we sure Campbell was BETTER than Jim Brown? Lots more film on Campbell which makes a compelling argument.....but Brown may have been the GOAT of big power backs with sprinter speed.
Jim Brown is considered the greatest RB of all time!
Mike Trout kinda numerology with same playoff success.
He is my all time dream time running back.
Moved from Chicago to Houston in "77" from Sweetness to the Tyler Rose! Earl Campbell was a Great Power Running Back! U watched him run a bunch of teams over! Even my beloved Chicago Bears! I still believe if they would've thought him to catch the ball out the backfield more! Might not have been worn out as fast! Campbell was a Beast! The Pittsburgh Game where Donny Shell hit Earl almost cutting him in half? But still managed to fall sideways from midfield into the corner of the End Zone! It was the Greatest Power Run I've ever seen in the NFL! I just think the Oilers used him up! Just like the Astros and JR Richards!
"Earl can't even catch a cold" - Bum Phillips
That probably explains a lot!
The Steelers respected Earl, but they did not fear him.
My all time favorite running back
From a Longtime Houston Oiler fan he played the game with Reckless Abandon. Thank You Mr. Campbell.
Earl Campbell was the Original Beatmode the Tyler Rose Icon he was a impactful player the former University of Texas Longhorns won the Heisman Trophy in 1977 but he was a 1st Round 1st overall pick in the 1978 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers back then but he ment everything the heart & soul to the franchise in those days on Monday Night Football vs Miami Dolphins he had 4TDS in a big time win he's won Rookie of the year and NFL MVP although he came close in 1978 and 1979 going to his 1st Super Bowl but at he's the Champion to people in Texas heart no matter what!
I love Earl Campbell, but let's not forget about the original power back with nightmare speed.....Jim Brown.....are we sure Campbell was BETTER than Jim Brown? Lots more film on Campbell which makes a compelling argument.....but Brown may have been the GOAT of big power backs with sprinter speed.
I watched this guy as a little kid. Before I started playing any football. But, when I finallly was old enough to play - Campbell was my blueprint.
By far my favorite player of all time and still happy he finished his career with my Saints. He was the single reason that made me a football fan and I wish I kept the wall poster I had of him. It's sad and a crying shame Texans fans don't appreciate him. During pregame festivities at Reliant Stadium in Houston, they brought him out on the field and sadly he was using a walker. His legs just aren't what they once were but I stood up in my Saints jersey along with my family and cheered and clapped for him, and as I looked around I saw only a handful of Texans fans standing for him. Truly sad to see that and I hope they come to appreciate him and show it to him.
People have changed
Trust me, the real fans appreciate Earl. On and off the field.
I am a former subscriber to Sirius. My favorite show was Mad Dog Unleashed. One time there was a caller, "Earl from Texas". He was just chatting about football (the specific topic I forget) but he said something like "as a former pro athlete" which caused Russo to start asking probing questions and realized he was talking to Earl Campbell. A legend of the NFL called as any other caller would.
That's wild. Russo is on ESPN now, I wonder if he would confirm this.
I know the contact took a toll on his body later in life but growing up as a kid and watching this man play was a thrill and there will never be another Earl Campbell an absolute NFL legend.
I have to agree! 💯 I watched him play in college and the NFL, dude was a man among boys!
And the nicest gentleman you could ever want to meet.
And you’d never see him spike the ball or try to show up another player. He had what’s missing today…class!
He was truly on another level. So fun to watch.
The man was a beast! Loved the Oilers
Earl is a Texas legend, no doubt. I live around Austin and know many who have crossed paths with him and they all say he is such a nice and humble man.
I watched him play when him
play for Texas being an Oklahoma fan, I thought, wow what a badass! Then, I watched him play at the Oilers. There will never be a power back like him again.
Love him. Oilers fan at age 5. We drafted him and I asked my Dad where he came from, in wonder. He answered seriously and plainly, the University of Texas. I asked what that was and he said it was a college. After a brief exchanged revealing what and where college was, I said I'm going there. He patted my head.
I did up going there.
A true legend. 34 Campbell, Ryan, Olajuwon. Houston proud.
Loved Earl my enitre life.
He lite up the SWC.
Then stayed home to play pro.
" Love Ya Blue "
Thanks for the great football Earl.
And your sausages are freaking great too!!
By far my favorite running back of all time!
Long time Detroit lions sufferer. 60 years old. Anytime earl was on TV you stopped to watch him.pure power. We had Billy Sims in 1980. Probably one of the most underrated backs in league history. Career cut short by injury. Then berry came along. At least we had Billy and berry to watch through the agony.
I always remember Billy climbing over the pile to score.
Sims doesn't get mentioned enough
Sims was great and remains underrated
Nothing like Earl on the field , I remember watching him in collage and the nfl. It was wow every time he touched the ball. Miss ya Earl !
I remember watching him as a kid powerhouse just tearing up the field unbelievable running back.. I witnessed it... beast
Happy to see this NFL GREAT get the recognition he so deserves. Truly a badass !!
In my early teens, I was privileged to watch this man play on Sundays. More than 40 years watching the NFL, and yet to see any other back as POWERFUL and productive. The original “Beast Mode “ Earl Campbell.
Earls a legend ! I grew up down the road from him. He never forgot where he came from. He was always friendly, & had time to talk to you if you were lucky enough to cross his path. Luv ya Blue !
Earl Campbell was an ABSLUTE BAD ASS. He was SOOOOO much fun to watch.
Yeah it's crazy to see him now so broken down
Earl was a down to earth kind and gentle man.
I was his bus driver Thanksgiving day when the oilers beat the cowboys and earl rushed for over 200 yards that day.
Earl took 5 minutes to talk to a bus driver. We talked about how he took care of his mother who lived in Tyler. I also had followed him when he was a Longhorn. To take time with me after his big game. I thought it was nice
Good memory, glad you shared it. I remember watching that great game live in Canada. It’s on RUclips.
THE 'TYLER ROSE' EARL CAMPBELL#34 IS A LEGEND .. IN MY OPINION .. THE MOST FEARED RB IN NFL 🏈 HISTORY .. THE GREATEST PLAYER OF ALL-TIME .. JIM BROWN#32 ..
54 years old native Texan. Loved the Cowboys but other than Staubach, Houston Oiler Earl Campbell was my favorite player
Earl Campbell is one of my all-time favorite running backs. What a real beast! I'm just sorry that he has suffered so much after retiring from all the immense punishment that he took (and dished out). Earl was one-of-a-kind.
Loved EC when I growing up. So underrated. He's great and isn't talked about enough...
I still watch throwack NFL games
Earl was my favorite growing up even though I’m from NY. Guy was a tank…
As a kid my favorite VHS tape was called the "Super 70's" and it was a NFL documentary. It was about the running backs of the 70's and is a must see!!! ( Earl Campbell, o.j Simpson, Tony Dorsett, Franco Harris, Walter Payton and etc.)
Well I have to say as a Steelers fan my guys respected Earl Campbell but we didn't FEAR him. That being said he was one of the most dominant backs to have played in the league.
Steeler fan here also - people need to watch the clip of Donnie Shell lighing Earl up…
Jim Brown is #1 in my opinion as most feared RB
@@user-tn6dk6rz5x Are you referring to when Shell speared Campbell with his helmet and broke his ribs?
@@davidhenson6337 yeah - it was legal back in the 70’s…. Very different game today slanted toward Offense…. Mel Blount was so good, the NFL came up with the Mel Blount rule…..
It might have been the 1976 season - they went 1-4 then win the rest of there games picking 5 shutouts…. Allowed 9.9 points per game…. This might have been there best team in the 70’s. Injuries all around shut their playoffs down
@@user-tn6dk6rz5x Oh, I know it was legal. Not trying to take anything away from Shell. As an Oiler fan it mad me really mad though. All the Steeler db's, along with the Raiders db's, were headhunters. It was a mans game back then. I remember the Browns had a lineman named Turkey Joe Jones, he picked up Bradshaw and basically turned him upside down and threw him down on his head. I don't recall there being much, if any, discipline handed down. The game is watered down today. Same has happened to baseball, basketball and to a lesser extent hockey.
@@davidhenson6337 hockey watered down for sure, basketball I think they just changed the rules over time or not adhering to them.. traveling palming etc
Free agency has changed a lot too in baseball and football for sure - good for the players… not so much for the teams
As a child, I absolutely love watching Earl Campbell along with Walter Payton. Power and Grace.
I saw this man play the Rams in Anaheim back in the day. I’d seen Foreman, Peyton, Dorsett, Harris, Bell, Craig, van Eeghen, etc in person. NEVER had I seen before or have I seen AFTER a back run with the POWER this man possessed. From the stands you could hear the clashing of their gear when he made contact.
Campbell looked like a grown man playing against a Pop Warner team.
Jim Brown
190-lb Jack Tatum delivered a monster hit to Earl Campbell and rang his bell.
He was my childhood hero and am very happy for him to receive the recognition he deserves there is truly no one like him
Sorry folks, I was at UT when Earl won the Heisman, and I have the greatest admiration and respect for him and his abilities. But, I've seen them all since 1958, and Earl is the #2 power back, a half step behind Jim Brown.
he like the jim brown of the 80s
That’s your opinion; he was more physical than brown in my opinion
@hardcorehouse You are probably right in the physicality department, but overall, I rate Brown a half step better. Did you ever see him play, I mean entire games, and seasons? Or, have you only seen highlights?
Turf was the problem, not running style. The padding under that old school turf was non existent. Also no help. The passing game for Houston was absent.
I was a kid growing up in Houston during the Luv You Blue days and it was great seeing Bum and Mr, Cambell rule the Astrodome! But even better was Mr Campbell was a member of my Dads racket ball club and since my dad was a UT alum he and Mr. Cambell would strike up a friendship and play each other in racketball! The thrill of my young life was to get into the court with them and hit the ball around before their match. He was so big that i often hit him with the ball! But he was always a soft spoken friendly and kind giant!
This video was very enlightening. Earl Campbell was one of a kind and a rare gem. If Campbell played for a better team, his stats would have been even more impressive.
Not necessarily....If he played on a team that had better offensive players, the offensive firepower would have been spread out more, and Campbell may not have gotten the ball as much, so his stats may have been less impressive.
So glad I was fortunate enough to be around to have seen Earl Campbell in his prime. He plowed through Defenses like fully load Mack truck and trailer. He was a nearly unstoppable beast. He crushed through my Chargers D back then like they were a college B team!
I wore 34 when I played in the 80s, because of Earl Campbell. He was faster than many DBs, stronger than the DL, and liked to run people over. He always seemed like a good person, who played hard, and enjoyed the game.
I met him in 1981. I was working at a Fast Food Restaurant called, "Ron's Fried Chicken". I was a Junior in HS and played football myself. I spent a lot of time pumping iron, but I also ran Track. Needless to say I looked pretty jacked for my age. One night after we just closed, while was taking out the old grease from the deep fat fryers to an outside storage area, someone drove up next to me. There were two black guys in a modest car. The driver pulled up to me on his side and he and his passenger quickly asked if we were still open. Of course I was tired and wanted to go home, but I told them we were and apologized for the inconvenience. As I spoke to the two men, I realized Earl was the one sitting in the passenger seat. I even blurted out, "Holy Shit, you're Earl Campbell"! He smiled real big and reached across the driver to shake my hand. As he held my hand in his grasp, he turned it so he could see my forearms (Yeah, I was kind of a mutant at that age and easily the strongest kid in my HS, but I tried to be humble about it and made it my mission in life to make friends with everyone). You can only imagine what an impression that made on me that night. I told them I would talk to the Manager to see if we can make an exception. So I went back inside with them walking in behind me. Well, being the only white employee, I wasn't sure if my Manager would allow an additional sale. Turns out Campbell was a legend to most Houstonians, but to the black community in Houston, Earl was a God. I didn't think to ask for an autograph because we had them in and out relatively quickly. However I did come away with one of my most cherished memories. And as for his persona. Earl Campbell was colossal when it came to his adoring fans. There may never be another like him
Loved that I got to watch Earl destroy people on Monday Night football. Thank you Mr. Campbell
The Adams family really know how to Fthings up!
This man gave everything he had on the field. He was an absolute tank and always so fun to watch, except when he played against my steelers.
I grew up during the 70s, and I got to watch Earl Campbell in his prime, I did not get to see Jim Brown play, so I have to say till this day, Earl Campbell was the most physical and hardest runner that I have seen in my life. This was during the 70s when teams ran the ball 70% of the time. Everyone in the stadium knew that Earl Campbell was going to get 30 or more carries per game. Bum Phillips literally ran him into the ground. I heard that till this day Earl Campbell wakes up several times per night in pain from his football injuries, he literally put his health and well being on the line for his team, taking and delivering punishing blow after blow.
watching him was thrilling - will never forget the monday nite miami game !! remember like yesterday
Bum & Earl was a team.Can’t think about one without the other.
I grew up a Cowboys fan. However, I've always respected Earl Campbell and the way he played. And after his retirement, we all saw him as the true gentleman that he is.
Never a fan of the Oilers but Earl Campbell was the best I've ever seen. He was simply run to death by the Oilers resulting in a relatively short career. That Monday Night Game against Miami was incredible.
I was and still am a Cowboy's fan, but when my best friend and I acted out who we were when playing football in the yard, he was Tony Dorsett but I was always Earl Cambell. Even as a die-hard Cowboy's fan, I loved watching Earl Cambell.
he was on my teams playoff rival and I liked him !! the #1 power back of all time.. a complete beast to try and tackle.
I watch this dude play when I was a kid. This Man Was A Beast!
The Tyler Rose, Earl The Pearl !! The GOAT !! Just an awesome running back. Warrior on the field, Gentleman off !!
My favorite back of all time. The best compliment I heard someone give Earl was Jack Lambert. He said when the NFL schedule came out every season. The first thing he looked for is when they played the Houston Earlers. Because they did not want to play against him early in the season.
As a long time Steelers fan back then.
Seeing Earl Campbell back then he blew away all the other teams.
That steel curtain shut him down.
Definitely one of my favorite RBs of all time & playing with him on MUT is a blast
I remember as a young boy 5 or 6 living in Houston. My brother entered a contest at Joskeys department store to be the oilers mascot for the day. He ended up winning and getting his name on the jumbo tron and got to meet all the player's in the locker room and a uniform. He got the helmet signed by all the player's including Earl and Moon. I was so jealous😂. What a cool experience.
One of my highschool coaches whom of which played DB at Baylor had to face him in high school and college. He referred to him as a “double-nutted stud”! Which is a Demigod-Tier compliment in Texas.
Watching him live he was the most amazing runner ever. His gift was insane. OJ, Gayle, Emmitt take a back seat. Raw power that has never been matched. Everyone knew he was getting the pigskin but he just ran over all. Including his own team players. Such a joy to watch. Jim brown is the only one that is equal or if you think, better. Insane power and vision.
Bo?
Will never forget Notre Dame skunking UT 40-O for the Championship after Texas had gone unbeaten all season. They even had Earl's number that day. We were in shock. But watching Earl run was really thrilling! And as a Houstonian l can tell you Earl was the pride of the city when he ran over opposing players. Affable and genuine, a real Texas gentleman.
Absolutely! Like a truck! As I remember, Rare any would be tackler would attempt to tackle him head on. Usually side step then, hang on for the ride until help arrived.
Proud to be a John Tyler alumni and to play for the team. Earl Campbell is to us what's compared to the highest life standard....Mythical Icon. Thank you, Mr. Campbell, CUJO proud
I grew up far from TX but I can’t tell you how many kids were oilers fans because of this guy 👍
Man oh man he was thrilling to watch as a kid! We had season tix for I think $20-30 each face value and wow it was exciting to watch him!!! We also had Billy “white shoes” Johnson on special teams and he also made for some exciting moments. Miss the Luv Ya Blue but the new Houston Texans are looking good. Earl was and is the best of the best and will always have a special place in Houston ❤s!!!
No doubt love this man what a player he was .
I grew up in Houston, went to the Monday night game in 1978 as they beat Miami. GOD BLESS EARL CAMPBELL !!
How cool! That is definitely one of the best regular season games ever played. I watched it on TV (I was 7), and I re-watch it from time to time. I was a Seattle fan, but Earl is still my all-time favorite back. Even beast mode is second place to Earl.
As a kid growing up I was amazed by Earl. That ruined me on what I thought a RB should be. I would take prime Earl over anybody ever. He paid the price for the way he ran the ball but he didn’t leave anything on the field. Ultimate respect
Earl Campbell is One of My Hero's when it comes to being the Best Powerhouse Running Back of All Time . I'm a Diehard Houston Oiler fan and will Always be a Houston Oiler fan even though they moved to Tennessee . But for Now, I'm a New Diehard Houston Texans fan . LET'S GO TEXANS 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯
NYJ fan here, loved #34 especially when he played the Titsburgh Feelers.
It's true what they say about Earl, every time he came to Cincinnati Bengals he made them look like a high school team. I remember the Bengal trapping Earl in the backfield and he gained ten yards. Greatest Power Back of all time.
Houston's coach in his prime, Bum Phillips, said it perfectly. "He may not be in a class by himself, but whatever one he's in, it doesn't take long to call roll." Earl Campbell took a terrible beating. But in the classic refrain, "You should have seen the other guy!!" Beyond any doubt, the most powerful running back the game has seen. He carried the scars. He also carried "The Earlers" on his powerful shoulders during his stellar career.
My favorite football player of all time! Still wear his jersey and number! When these youngsters ask me who he was i just tell them to look him up on you tube and they always come back amazed of his abilities! That's Earl Campbell!💪❤
Still holds the NFL record for most 200 + yard games in a single season with 4 in 1980. Also tied for most consecutive 200+ yard games with 2 straight in 1980.
watched him in my youth. The most powerful man ever. That MNF in Houston vs Miami when you pushed that Miami man off the field to score was the most powerful sport moment I had ever seen.