Earl Campbell

Earl Christian Campbell, born March 29, 1955 and nicknamed "the Tyler Rose," is an American former professional football running back who played eight seasons in the National Football League, primarily with the Houston Oilers. Known for an aggressive, punishing running style and an ability to break tackles, Campbell gained recognition as one of the best power running backs in NFL history.

Campbell played college football for the Texas Longhorns, where in his senior season he won the Heisman Trophy and earned unanimous All-American honors along with numerous other accolades. The Oilers selected him first overall in the 1978 NFL draft, and he had an immediate impact, earning NFL Rookie of the Year honors. Campbell was named the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year in each of his first three seasons, during which he averaged nearly 1,700 rushing yards per season. In 1979 he won the AP NFL Most Valuable Player Award after leading the league in both rushing yards and touchdowns.

Under head coach Bum Phillips, Campbell's emergence in Houston coincided with the Luv Ya Blue era, a period of sustained success in which the Oilers made three straight playoff appearances.