Meet Earl Campbell, The Only Living Texas Legend
Earl Campbell was the first pick in the 1978 NFL Draft. A Texas native, a University of Texas alum and a Heisman trophy winner, he was about to bring pride and excitement back to the city of Houston.
Earl had never even heard of Bum Phillips, the Oilers’ charismatic coach, until the day of the draft. So when he received a call from the infamous coach that night, he was pleasantly surprised at what he heard.
Phillips reassured Earl that he would be a perfect fit within the Oilers organization and that he would personally look after his well-being. After all, Bum was long-time friends with Darrell Royal, Earl’s college coach, and had promised the Royal family that he would watch over Earl. But it was not what he told him that made Earl feel so readily welcomed into the Oilers family, but it was how he told him.
As a rookie, Earl finished the season with an unprecedented 1,450 yards and was named Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the NFL. He also received his first invitation to the Pro Bowl. But one accomplishment had continued to elude him. Earl had yet to graduate from UT. He was only nine credits short of completing his degree. Because he had promised his mother and himself that he would, Earl returned to Austin that spring and graduated in May with a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Communications from the University of Texas. comments and “went to bat” for his friend. But Earl knew that the NFL was a business and there was nothing he could do to stop the fate of his beloved coach.
Happy times were in Earl’s future, however. Months later, on Valentine’s Day of 1980, Earl decided to drive to his hometown of Tyler unexpectedly. He knocked on his mother’s door, sat down across from her and said, “I’m in love with Reuna and I’m gonna marry her. I just wanted you to know first before I go over to propose to her.” Earl met Reuna when they were in junior high school and they had been in love ever since. On May 30, 1980, in front of 1,000 guests, including Coach Darrell Royal and Coach Bum Phillips, Earl married Reuna Smith. Later that week, she moved into Earl’s home in Houston on Candle Lane.
In 1981, Ralph Wallace, a member of the Texas State Legislature, proclaimed Earl Campbell an Official State Hero of Texas. Earl was one of only four men bestowed with this honor, along with Stephen F. Austin, Davy Crockett and Sam Houston. The poor boy from a small East Texas town was now being honored as one of the most influential men in Texas history. On the field, Earl continued to achieve athletic success and recognition for his achievements, receiving six consecutive nominations to the Pro Bowl. Earl was also very happy in his personal life. His wife, Reuna, gave birth to their first son, Earl Christian Campbell II. The football and state hero was now a proud papa.
One day, after taking his young son to get a haircut, Earl tuned into his favorite country radio station on the way to grab a quick lunch. He was shocked when he heard the disc jockey announce that he had been traded to the New Orleans Saints. He was about to be reunited with his favorite NFL coach, Bum Phillips. But Earl was furious that the Oilers and Bud Adams had failed to warn him of the upcoming trade. He knew the business side of the NFL, but he was shocked and hurt that he had to hear about his trade over the radio. That night, Earl emptied his locker alone and thought about all the wonderful and exciting times he had as an Oiler, especially during the “Luv Ya Blue” years. He was grateful for the opportunity God had blessed him with. He knew it was time to look toward the future?and a long-awaited reunion with Bum Phillips. To everyone around him in New Orleans, Earl seemed focused and physically ready for another season of Saints football. Little did anyone know, Earl was aching on the inside, and on August 18, 1986, he realized that his body couldn’t take any more pain. After a tough pre-season scrimmage against the Patriots, Earl showered and slowly walked back to the dormitory room he was staying in during training camp. He was so physically sore that he barely made it to his bed.
He lay in bed for hours praying for some relief. As he crawled out of bed and across the floor to the restrooms, he realized it was time to leave the NFL?on his own terms. He knew the Saints were trying to get rid of him anyway. So before Earl could give them the satisfaction of doing so and after he called his dearest friends and family members, Earl Campbell announced that he was retiring from the NFL. After a short press conference, Earl boarded a plane to Houston, sat back in his seat and reflected on his life. He had come so far. This son of a rose field worker named B.C. and a housewife named Ann, this victim of so many prejudices and tragedies, this victor of so many battles?this boy had become a man in front of millions.
Source: Earl Campbell Website
