Congratulations are pouring in across the sports world as Texas Longhorns legend and NFL Hall of Famer Earl Campbell has been named one of the 100 most influential people in sports by TIME 100 magazine. It’s a recognition long overdue in the eyes of many, but nonetheless, it marks a pivotal moment that cements Campbell’s already historic legacy. For decades, Earl Campbell has been more than just a football player. He’s been a symbol of grit, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. TIME’s inclusion of his name in this prestigious list underscores the impact he’s had, not just between the white lines of the football field, but far beyond them.
Earl Campbell’s influence in sports cannot be overstated. Born in Tyler, Texas, in 1955, Campbell was molded by the tough environment of East Texas. From humble beginnings, he would go on to define what power running meant in football. He arrived at the University of Texas in the mid-1970s and immediately took the college football world by storm. By the time his senior year ended, he had won the Heisman Trophy in 1977, becoming the first Longhorn to ever do so. His bulldozing runs, impossible balance, and no-nonsense playing style captivated fans and terrified defenders. At Texas, Campbell wasn’t just a player—he was a cultural movement, a one-man wrecking crew who gave a fanbase its pride and opponents its nightmares.
Drafted first overall in the 1978 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers, Campbell’s professional career exploded immediately. He was named NFL Rookie of the Year and NFL Most Valuable Player in the same season—an unprecedented dual honor. From 1978 through the early 1980s, Campbell was the heartbeat of the Oilers and one of the most feared runners the NFL had ever seen. What set Campbell apart was not just his talent but his approach. Every carry was violent poetry—he ran with intent, purpose, and an iron will. Campbell wasn’t merely trying to gain yards; he was trying to make a statement. And he did so with every crushing blow delivered to linebackers and safeties who dared to stand in his way.
TIME’s recognition of Campbell as one of the most influential figures in sports is as much a nod to his legacy as it is a reflection of his continued impact off the field. After retiring in 1985 due to injuries accumulated from years of physical punishment, Campbell didn’t fade into the background. Instead, he embraced a new role as a mentor, advocate, and symbol of perseverance. He became an ambassador for the University of Texas and one of the most respected voices in discussions about athlete health, especially regarding the long-term effects of physical trauma in football. Through his own health battles, including surgeries and limited mobility, Campbell has used his platform to speak honestly about the cost of greatness and advocate for better care and protection for players at all levels.
In many ways, Campbell’s post-football journey is what makes his TIME 100 recognition especially profound. Unlike many of his contemporaries who retreated from the public eye, Campbell leaned in. He addressed hard truths about the game and pushed for reforms that would make it safer for future generations. His advocacy didn’t stop at football. Campbell has also worked to empower young athletes from underprivileged backgrounds, often returning to East Texas to host football camps and speak at schools. He became a beacon of hope for kids who saw in him a pathway out of struggle and into opportunity.
Beyond sports, Campbell’s influence resonates in Texas culture itself. He is not just a Longhorn legend or an Oilers icon—he is a Texas institution. From the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award to the countless jerseys, murals, and statues that bear his name and likeness, Campbell’s identity is interwoven with the fabric of Texas pride. He symbolizes strength, authenticity, and integrity. In an era increasingly defined by flash and spectacle, Campbell’s enduring popularity reminds us of the power of humility and authenticity.
There’s also a significant racial component to Campbell’s legacy that deserves acknowledgment. Coming up in the South during the tail end of the Jim Crow era, Campbell’s rise was a powerful statement about Black excellence and resilience. He navigated racism and systemic barriers with dignity and focus, becoming one of the first major Black sports icons in Texas history. His success helped pave the way for future generations of Black athletes, not just in football, but across all sports. By becoming the face of Texas football during a time of cultural transformation, Campbell helped redefine what leadership and heroism looked like in the South.
Another aspect of Campbell’s influence comes through his business ventures, particularly the success of Earl Campbell Meat Products. Started in the early 1990s, the company has grown into a regional staple, a brand synonymous with Texas hospitality and tradition. His ability to transition from sports to business has served as a model for countless athletes looking to establish financial independence and longevity beyond their playing days. For Campbell, the brand has always been about more than just selling products—it’s about building a legacy that honors his roots and supports his community.
TIME’s selection of Campbell among the most influential figures in sports also serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring legends while they are still with us. Too often, the sports world waits until tragedy or death to fully recognize greatness. In Campbell’s case, the honor is timely and deserved. It validates a life lived in the pursuit of excellence and a career defined not only by statistics and awards but by the tangible, lasting impact on others. Whether it was a crushing run between the tackles or a quiet conversation with a young fan in a small East Texas town, Campbell has left footprints that will endure long after today.
Fans, former teammates, and fellow legends have already responded with joy and admiration. University of Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian called the recognition “a monumental moment for one of the greatest players and human beings to ever wear burnt orange.” NFL Hall of Famers like Tony Dorsett and Barry Sanders have expressed similar sentiments, noting how Campbell’s career helped redefine what running backs could be. Younger athletes like Bijan Robinson have pointed to Campbell as a constant inspiration, someone whose example taught them how to carry themselves both on and off the field.
In today’s sports landscape—dominated by social media noise, shifting loyalties, and constant branding—Earl Campbell stands as a throwback to a more grounded kind of greatness. He didn’t seek attention; attention found him. He didn’t demand respect; he earned it through every action, every bruise, every hard-fought yard. And now, with TIME 100 naming him among the most influential people in sports, that respect has officially been enshrined for the world to see.
As fans reflect on Campbell’s career and legacy, the overwhelming feeling is one of gratitude. Grateful for the runs. Grateful for the courage. Grateful for the example. Earl Campbell didn’t just play football—he changed it. And in doing so, he changed lives. With this new honor, his place in the cultural and athletic pantheon is not just secured—it is celebrated, loudly and rightfully so.
