On the hit at 1:32 any other mere mortal (Dorsett) would have crumpled to the turf in a heap crying for his Momma. Earl Campbell was the only running back that could hurt the other guy more than the other guy hurt him. Don't get me wrong Jim Brown, Franco, Csonka, Riggins. Akoye were all punishing backs, but ask the incredible Steelers MLB Jack Lambert who was the toughest to bring down and he doesn't hesitate saying Earl Campbell.
Barry Switzer recruited Earl, and said Earl was the only player he ever saw, that could have gone straight from high-school to the NFL, and been an impact player from day-1. I saw him play a lot @ UT, and more than once, the pile would just move until Earl got tired of carrying 5-6 people on his back.
@lonestarjwells Barry's right I commented below regarding my playing days in HS with Earl I wish everyone could've had a chance to see him run back then We had an awesome team and went from obscurity (weren't even picked to win our district) to a 15-0 season We had a helluva defense too allowing only 88 points in 15 games. The best was beating top-ranked Plano 34-0.
They'd been talking shit and Earl went crazy with over 250 yds, and on one play gained 15 or so with every defender on his back!!
@KTtraintowin Glad U like the story, I have more on this page+others. Unfortunately I had major knee surgery. I tried for a walk-on at Tyler Junior College, but I had lost speed and agility. I tried out for the Astros too, but didn't make it. I can only imagine how beasts like Earl feel at this age. I played hard and I've since had surgery on my other knee, my shoulder, both my hands, and my leg/ankle is now held together with screws and and plate. I see Earl now and it brings a tear to my eye.
@KTtraintowin 1 mo story. E was a huge part of our team but we were very talented. Lynn King our FB/MLB was a brute too. Earl got put out of a game after a late sideline hit+Lynn went on to run for 150yds+score 2 TDs A leg injury kept him from pro-ball. Ron Lee was our TE/DE, All-America at Baylor+played 16 yrs in NFL w/Dolphins and Seahawks. Gary Johnson was AA nose tackle at Baylor and played for Colts+Bears but back problems kept him from big-time notoriety. 2 others went pro+many to college
As great as he was on the football field he is even a greater human being. A true gentleman. Earl never forgave the franchise for trading him to New Orleans. This was in the days when players started and retired with the same team. A few years ago the franchise retired the numbers of their greatest players. Earl was the only living one that did not show. Can't say as I blame him. Those who watch him play know he was extremely special and a one of a kind runner. True class act and a gentleman.
In terms of sheer watching pleasure, my two favorite running backs of all-time are Earl Campbell and Eric Dickerson. Earl was like a bull breaking free from the corral, Eric a stallion escaping from the stall. Take your pick catching and bringing them down, and good luck!
@napoleonseven The ball was well protected even though he often carried it like a loaf of bread. Through fear and terrorism backed by the afore mentioned punishment Earl was in a class by himself. I don't really think there has been a RB since who has struck fear in the heart of defenders like Earl. He was a natural athlete with a hellufa lot of heart.
@napoleonseven Earl is tied at No. 156 w/6 others for career fumbles. I'd say for as much as he carried the ball that's pretty good. Every down it was Earl...there goes Earl again..their givin it to Earl. That's why his knees gave out after 8 seasons. I also say the defenders were scared to try and take Earls ball. He was a punisher of the highest degree like Butkis or L.C. Greenwood, Jack Hamm. Of course I seen Earl walk right over many of these, point is Earl was a RB that played like a LB.
@Ebeneezerable I played High School ball with Big E. Not many people know he was an outstanding mid linebacker, was All East Texas and All State honorable mention his Soph year, and actually threatened to quit the team when coach Nelson wanted to convert him to fulltime RB. Thank God he didn't. He wanted to be the "Black Dick Butkus. I played both ways so I got to block for him and unfortunately had to tackle him in practice more than a few times. We were 15-0 state champs.
@lonestarjwells That was a great game Almost 17,000 people at the Astrodome which was alot back then The 1st state champ game at the Dome. Lynn King was our MLB/FB and was a handful. Earl probably went in a few times but didn't score any TDs on defense. He gained over 165 yds at 5.2avg with 2 touchdowns. Unfortunately I was on the sidelines recovering from major knee surgery, but watched every minute and assisted the coaches calling in plays. They say Darell Royal was in the press box drooling!
Tatum decimated Campbell so badly that ole Earl thereafeter FEARED any potential contact with The Assassin... this was confirmed by many of Campbell's teammates therafter. CAMPBELL WAS AFRAID OF THE ASSASSIN!!!!!!! Tatum OWNED Campbell easily!!!! Many of Earl's teammates later would confirm that Earl FEARED any further future contact with The Assassin! Campbell would sometimes shiver just knowing he had to face Tatum's team any time thereafter. Just ask Campbell's old teammates about that.
awesome video !!
KTtraintowin 2 weeks ago
On the hit at 1:32 any other mere mortal (Dorsett) would have crumpled to the turf in a heap crying for his Momma. Earl Campbell was the only running back that could hurt the other guy more than the other guy hurt him. Don't get me wrong Jim Brown, Franco, Csonka, Riggins. Akoye were all punishing backs, but ask the incredible Steelers MLB Jack Lambert who was the toughest to bring down and he doesn't hesitate saying Earl Campbell.
4to88strings 4 weeks ago
Barry Switzer recruited Earl, and said Earl was the only player he ever saw, that could have gone straight from high-school to the NFL, and been an impact player from day-1. I saw him play a lot @ UT, and more than once, the pile would just move until Earl got tired of carrying 5-6 people on his back.
lonestarjwells 4 weeks ago
@lonestarjwells Barry's right I commented below regarding my playing days in HS with Earl I wish everyone could've had a chance to see him run back then We had an awesome team and went from obscurity (weren't even picked to win our district) to a 15-0 season We had a helluva defense too allowing only 88 points in 15 games. The best was beating top-ranked Plano 34-0.
They'd been talking shit and Earl went crazy with over 250 yds, and on one play gained 15 or so with every defender on his back!!
4to88strings 4 weeks ago
@4to88strings great story !!! Did you play ball past high school ?
KTtraintowin 2 weeks ago
@KTtraintowin Glad U like the story, I have more on this page+others. Unfortunately I had major knee surgery. I tried for a walk-on at Tyler Junior College, but I had lost speed and agility. I tried out for the Astros too, but didn't make it. I can only imagine how beasts like Earl feel at this age. I played hard and I've since had surgery on my other knee, my shoulder, both my hands, and my leg/ankle is now held together with screws and and plate. I see Earl now and it brings a tear to my eye.
4to88strings 2 weeks ago
@KTtraintowin 1 mo story. E was a huge part of our team but we were very talented. Lynn King our FB/MLB was a brute too. Earl got put out of a game after a late sideline hit+Lynn went on to run for 150yds+score 2 TDs A leg injury kept him from pro-ball. Ron Lee was our TE/DE, All-America at Baylor+played 16 yrs in NFL w/Dolphins and Seahawks. Gary Johnson was AA nose tackle at Baylor and played for Colts+Bears but back problems kept him from big-time notoriety. 2 others went pro+many to college
4to88strings 2 weeks ago
He had STRONG hands. Watch him carry the ball like a loaf of bread.
lonestarjwells 4 weeks ago
your vid sux
dzk218 1 month ago
Ah.. This is why we have Marshawn Lynch (:
SteveSaeteurn 2 months ago
As great as he was on the football field he is even a greater human being. A true gentleman. Earl never forgave the franchise for trading him to New Orleans. This was in the days when players started and retired with the same team. A few years ago the franchise retired the numbers of their greatest players. Earl was the only living one that did not show. Can't say as I blame him. Those who watch him play know he was extremely special and a one of a kind runner. True class act and a gentleman.
1951RKP 2 months ago
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1951RKP 2 months ago
Comment removed
1951RKP 2 months ago
never seen a back love contact as much as earl he truely was the greatest at point of contact
purplebruin 2 months ago
I love Earl Campbell. IMO he is the best running back ever.
Yo1969Yo 2 months ago
Look at this mothafuckin beast
slapmesilly99 3 months ago
Thanks for putting this together man!
hollispaul 3 months ago
In terms of sheer watching pleasure, my two favorite running backs of all-time are Earl Campbell and Eric Dickerson. Earl was like a bull breaking free from the corral, Eric a stallion escaping from the stall. Take your pick catching and bringing them down, and good luck!
pnutbutrncrackers 4 months ago
Look how he holds the ball! Terrible.
napoleonseven 4 months ago
@napoleonseven The ball was well protected even though he often carried it like a loaf of bread. Through fear and terrorism backed by the afore mentioned punishment Earl was in a class by himself. I don't really think there has been a RB since who has struck fear in the heart of defenders like Earl. He was a natural athlete with a hellufa lot of heart.
Ebeneezerable 4 months ago
@napoleonseven Earl is tied at No. 156 w/6 others for career fumbles. I'd say for as much as he carried the ball that's pretty good. Every down it was Earl...there goes Earl again..their givin it to Earl. That's why his knees gave out after 8 seasons. I also say the defenders were scared to try and take Earls ball. He was a punisher of the highest degree like Butkis or L.C. Greenwood, Jack Hamm. Of course I seen Earl walk right over many of these, point is Earl was a RB that played like a LB.
Ebeneezerable 4 months ago
@Ebeneezerable I played High School ball with Big E. Not many people know he was an outstanding mid linebacker, was All East Texas and All State honorable mention his Soph year, and actually threatened to quit the team when coach Nelson wanted to convert him to fulltime RB. Thank God he didn't. He wanted to be the "Black Dick Butkus. I played both ways so I got to block for him and unfortunately had to tackle him in practice more than a few times. We were 15-0 state champs.
4to88strings 2 months ago
@4to88strings
I listened to that game on the radio, against Austin-Regan. It seemed like Earl was scoring every point, even as a linebacker, if I remember right.
lonestarjwells 4 weeks ago
@lonestarjwells That was a great game Almost 17,000 people at the Astrodome which was alot back then The 1st state champ game at the Dome. Lynn King was our MLB/FB and was a handful. Earl probably went in a few times but didn't score any TDs on defense. He gained over 165 yds at 5.2avg with 2 touchdowns. Unfortunately I was on the sidelines recovering from major knee surgery, but watched every minute and assisted the coaches calling in plays. They say Darell Royal was in the press box drooling!
4to88strings 4 weeks ago
@napoleonseven
Maybe players didn't get stripped as much back then. It's hard to imagine a player carrying the ball out like that today.
AntiSchiff 1 month ago
@napoleonseven
I'd bet you a buck you couldn't rip it from his grip using both hands & your full body weight.
lonestarjwells 4 weeks ago
@lonestarjwells A whole buck? :)
napoleonseven 4 weeks ago
One of the few RB's who isnt an excuse for a great O-Line
CharlesFlubber 4 months ago
Campbell was the best power back ever, in large part because he was also ridiculously elusive.
Fantastic compilation!
dojiijii 5 months ago
Campbell was the best power back ever, in large part because he was also ridiculously elusive.
dojiijii 5 months ago
@dojiijii
He was also incredibly fast.
AntiSchiff 1 month ago
Earl was the best. Better than any other. NO CONTEST.
There was Earl and then there was everyone else. He carried the Oilers on his own two shoulders. Sad that it cost him his health.
JTMan21 6 months ago
barry sanders is beder
1111nachos 6 months ago
The best running back since Jim Brown.
coolandtall 7 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Tatum decimated Campbell so badly that ole Earl thereafeter FEARED any potential contact with The Assassin... this was confirmed by many of Campbell's teammates therafter. CAMPBELL WAS AFRAID OF THE ASSASSIN!!!!!!! Tatum OWNED Campbell easily!!!! Many of Earl's teammates later would confirm that Earl FEARED any further future contact with The Assassin! Campbell would sometimes shiver just knowing he had to face Tatum's team any time thereafter. Just ask Campbell's old teammates about that.
DevillDogg 7 months ago
hahaha in some areas... i have other running back videos and im making more...
DETLions38 1 year ago
barry sanders was better : /
MrFalcons50 1 year ago
@MrFalcons50 he was very elusive and sturdy but never trucked like Earl Campbell
tmcdougald 1 year ago 2