Congratulations to Texas Football Icon Earl Campbell on Being Named to TIME 100’s Most Influential People in Sports List

Congratulations are in order for one of the most revered figures in the history of American sports. Earl Campbell, the legendary Texas Longhorn and Houston Oilers running back, has been named one of the 100 most influential people in sports by TIME 100 magazine. This prestigious recognition is not only a celebration of Campbell’s incredible impact on the game of football, but also a powerful affirmation of his enduring influence in American culture, leadership, community involvement, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Earl Campbell’s story is one of determination, greatness, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Born in Tyler, Texas, in 1955, Campbell quickly made a name for himself as a formidable athlete. As a young man growing up in East Texas, he displayed an almost mythical combination of strength and speed, earning him the nickname “The Tyler Rose.” From the moment he stepped onto the football field at John Tyler High School, it was evident that Campbell was destined for greatness. He led his high school team to a state championship and became a top recruit nationwide. That momentum carried him into his college years, where he would become one of the most decorated players in NCAA football history.

At the University of Texas, Earl Campbell cemented his legacy as one of college football’s most dominant forces. Under coach Darrell Royal and later Fred Akers, Campbell was the centerpiece of the Longhorns’ offense. His blend of punishing power, bruising physicality, and explosive burst captivated fans and terrorized defenders. In 1977, he capped off his collegiate career with a season for the ages. He rushed for 1,744 yards and scored 19 touchdowns, achievements that earned him the Heisman Trophy and unanimous All-American honors. That same year, he was also named the winner of the Walter Camp Award and was the UPI Player of the Year. The accolades were many, but what stood out most was the way Campbell played the game—with unrelenting drive and heart.

Selected as the number one overall pick in the 1978 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers, Campbell wasted no time making his mark in the professional ranks. His rookie season was a historic one: he rushed for 1,450 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading the league in rushing and earning NFL Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player honors. It was a nearly unprecedented debut, and it heralded the beginning of a professional career that would be defined by sheer dominance. Over the next several years, Campbell continued to be one of the most feared running backs in the NFL. He led the league in rushing three straight seasons from 1978 to 1980 and was a five-time Pro Bowl selection. The Oilers, once a struggling franchise, were transformed into contenders with Campbell in the backfield.

But Campbell’s influence extended far beyond statistics. He represented an era in football that valued toughness, grit, and resilience. His bruising, physical running style came to embody the spirit of Texas football. Fans adored him not only for his performance but for his humility, his work ethic, and his loyalty to the teams and communities that embraced him. For many in Texas and around the nation, Earl Campbell was more than a player—he was a cultural icon, a symbol of excellence, and an inspiration to generations.

What makes Campbell’s recognition in the TIME 100 list especially meaningful is the journey he has taken since his playing days. Like many athletes of his era, Campbell paid a steep physical price for his style of play. Years of collisions and punishment left him with severe chronic pain, limited mobility, and the need for a wheelchair. At one point, his struggle with pain management led to an addiction to painkillers, a battle that he faced publicly and courageously. Rather than retreating into isolation, Campbell chose to use his platform to raise awareness about the long-term effects of football injuries and the dangers of opioid addiction. His openness and advocacy have helped shift the conversation around player safety, pain treatment, and the mental and physical tolls of professional sports.

Through it all, Campbell has remained a revered and respected figure. His commitment to his family, his faith, and his community continues to be a cornerstone of his identity. He has invested his time and resources into philanthropic efforts, including the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, which honors the top offensive player in Division I football who exemplifies the tenacity and values that defined Campbell’s career. He has also supported initiatives that promote youth sports, education, and health awareness across Texas and beyond.

Being named one of the most influential people in sports by TIME is not just about Campbell’s playing days, but about the totality of his impact. It’s a recognition of his continued presence as a role model and an advocate, decades after his last snap on the field. It is also an acknowledgment of how deeply he resonates with fans, not just in Texas, but across the nation. TIME’s list often includes coaches, executives, innovators, and current athletes, but the inclusion of a retired player speaks volumes about Campbell’s lasting relevance and the respect he commands in the sports world.

Campbell’s story is also a powerful reminder of the broader influence that athletes can have when they use their platform for good. While his bruising runs and legendary touchdowns are unforgettable, perhaps his greatest contributions are the lessons he has imparted off the field: the importance of resilience, the power of vulnerability, and the strength it takes to turn personal struggle into public service. He has inspired countless people who face their own physical and mental challenges, showing that true greatness is measured not only by accolades but by character.

Even today, the name Earl Campbell carries a certain weight, a kind of mythic stature. For Texans, he is part of the cultural fabric—a man who represents strength, pride, and perseverance. For football fans, he is one of the all-time greats, a Hall of Famer whose style of play helped shape the modern game. And now, for a new generation of readers and sports lovers encountering his name on TIME’s list, he is a figure of influence, whose story continues to educate, inspire, and elevate.

It’s also worth noting that this recognition places Campbell among a very select group of sports figures who transcend their own disciplines. TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports list is not simply about athletic performance—it’s about impact. It honors those who shape conversations, shift paradigms, and use their presence to leave the world better than they found it. Campbell’s inclusion is therefore a testament to his stature not only as an athlete, but as a thought leader and advocate for change. He joins the ranks of global figures who are shaping the future of sports and society in meaningful ways.

There is something poetic about the timing of this honor. In an era when the spotlight often shines brightest on current superstars and viral moments, Earl Campbell’s recognition reminds us of the timeless value of integrity, strength, and courage. It also underscores the idea that legacies are not just built on moments of triumph, but on decades of consistency, character, and commitment. For fans who watched him play, for young people who read about him today, and for anyone who believes in the transformative power of sports, this recognition is deeply deserved.

So, as the world takes a moment to celebrate Earl Campbell, let it also reflect on what true influence means. It’s not always about headlines or highlight reels. Sometimes, it’s about the quiet, steady presence of someone who has walked through fire and emerged with wisdom to share. Someone who has faced the highs and lows of life in the public eye and never lost his grounding. Someone who has inspired millions simply by being real, being strong, and being there.

Congratulations to Earl Campbell—a Texas legend, a football icon, and now officially one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in sports. His story continues to uplift, his voice continues to matter, and his legacy continues to grow.