Hats off to Jerome Bettis, possibly the most perfect fan of Earl Campbell i can imagine. the way he talks about the play you are watching indicates that Jerome studied those plays so deeply in depth that he could articulate Earl’s moves in detail without even seeing them on screen, reciting them from memory.
He almost gained 2000 yards rushing in his 3rd season with that running style. 1934 rushing yards to be exact. One of the Greatest Running Backs of all time.
Blake Goold well if u were a real Chiefs fan u would know that Larry Johnson only had 2 dominant seasons (both 1700 rush yds and 10+ tds) and the rest were mediocre. Sadly injuries got to him but he only had 2 years not 3. Plus his 2 seasons don’t come close to priest holmes seasons just cus of Holmes incredible TD numbers
ABSOLUTELY !!! He gained over 1400 yards his rookie season, over 1600 yards the following season, and over 1900 yards in his 3rd season. In his 4th and 5th season he gained over 1000 yards in each of those seasons, and those are just rushing yards in all 5 seasons. One of my favorite players at that time #34. 😃
Eric is in the running. It's really a matter of preference with those two for the first 5 years. Campbell did have an MVP. Unfortunately 2105 came the same year as Dan Marino's 5084.
Peter Torok true but not even Jim ran with that style of football I got to meet them both well Earl stays in my home town so I see him once in a blue moon at autograph sessions
and his celebration is even better than lynch's td celebration. the last play. he was just so tired, dragging his shoes, let the ball down on the turf ahah.
For pure power, you're right. I've never seen a RB who could send defenders flying quite like Earl. I saw him in college and it was even more ridiculous due to the lesser talent on defense. The crowd would laugh when Earl would drag 2-3 defenders an extra five+ yards after contact. A true beast.
Agreed. The only "power" backs I've personally seen that are in the same league as Campbell are Bettis and Beastmode, and I'd take Campbell over either of them.
Waaaaaaaaaaaaay underrated. Outstanding effort and toughness. The offense was earl right, Earl left, Earl up the middle. Dan pastorini at QB. No wonder the poor guy can't walk now
Pablo Cunningham He actually have a genetic condition with his spine that contributed a lot to his poor back health now, but football was another factor
I met Earl Campbell while in Austin in the late 80's. I saw him at a restaurant with his wife, and my big brother wouldn't let me bother him for an autograph. Afterwards he came over to our table and introduced himself and signed a business card that he had. Told me he appreciated me allowing him to eat in peace. Still have the autograph. I was about 16 or 17. It hurts me to see him struggle to walk nowadays. He took a pounding in the NFL and now he is paying for it.
I grew up watching Campbell and thought he was the most powerful back I'd ever scene, even better than Csonka. What I remember, and even noticed at the time as a kid, was that Campbell was humble. He wasn't a trash talker, he didn't engage in post play theatrics, and he had no bad press that I can remember. He didn't need any of that because his playing earned him the respect of everyone. A great player, much higher than 55th on my list.
Csonka and earl were both great power backs and football players, csonka was a little stronger than Campbell mostly due to him being 6ft3 while Campbell was 5ft11, I think earl was a bit more elusive than csonka
Definitely one of the best power running backs who ever played the game...maybe THE best. There have been quite a few great power backs like Bronko Nagurski, Marion Motley, Steve Van Buren, Jim Taylor, Larry Csonka, and Franco Harris but Campbell has them all beat
@@afterlife6821 And Earl was a lot faster. I watched him play in college and he could fly for a 230 lb. back. Once he broke into the secondary he was like a truck barreling downhill...guys hanging on for dear life until reinforcements came to help.
Abelarue,100percent agree with you. He let his actions on the field do the talking. And also these trash talking fools these days couldn't even carry his jock strap!
Lmao I know. Tatum couldn't have gotten a better hit on him but Earl just would not be denied. Dude should have been a boxer, looks like he took that helmet straight to the chin and just kept on going.
He did run through him, he stumbled and fell in to the end zone. After the play both Tatum and Earl had to be helped off the field. It is definitely one of the greatest hits of all time.
BELIEVE IT or NOT I Took a picture with Earl Campbell here in Houston at Moody Park when I was 2 years Old sitting on Top of his Shoulders. I haven't the Slightest Idea what happened that Picture but It Will LIVE in my Memory FOREVER!!!
Makes touchdowns, no dancing, no skits, no theater, no narcissism. He simply drops the ball and walks away. Class act. I remember when NFL players were men compared to todays boys.
Everyone who is arguing best rbs think about this. Jim Brown once said "the best 2 running backs in history: 1. Himself 2. Earl Campbell. The rest you can put in any order you want. " Jim Brown said that.
There’s a reason for that look at there different styles of play, earl was a power back Payton was not and played in a different style but Payton was still hard to bring down and didn’t die easy like Campbell
I remember that Monday Night Football Game against the Miami Dolphins. That performance by Earl Campbell was nothing short of incredible. Just watching that last touchdown run on this video gave me chills 😃.
Agreed, I was in my living room with the TV on to that game trying to study for a finals for college, after the first quarter or so of that game, one could clearly sense that a classic game was in the making. Both Houston and Miami were playing superb football.
Earl Campbell was and still is the most physical running back to ever play in the NFL. The players he ran over and through all thought they were the baddest men on the field...until #34 rolled through the hole! The Rams player (#58) who you see Campbell blowing up in this video was Isaiah Robinson, who definitely "went for bad" as we use to say. Before that play he considered himself the second coming of Deacon Jones; but after that play, I swear, he was never the same bad-ass defensive end. Think about the men who hit him and could not stop him; Tatum, Lambert, Shell, Atkinson...the list goes on! These were future Hall Of Fame players who were bouncing off him like water off a duck!
Excitement embodied. Keeps your eyes wide open. Throwback to an overwhelmingly entertaining time of great competition - no gimmicks. A favorite's favorite! #34!
Take a lesson kids, when he scored that last touchdown to ice a game in the video he just stood there. No dancing, no taunting, he just stands there as if he's bored that he can't punish that defense anymore.
Jesus Christ as I was very young and watching these games happen live and didn't realize how dominate he was! He is one of the toughest, fastest running backs in NFL history! Mr. Campbell, thank you for the memories you sir, are a living legend!
Earl Campbell was the original Beast Mode before Marshawn Lynch. He was 5’11 and 235 pounds powerful back who will pound those defensive linemen all the way to touchdowns. A lot of defensive linemans fear him because of his big size and couldn’t tackle him at all. He was a incredible player and he was the best powerful running back of his generation. He only played for eight seasons in the NFL before retiring from professional football with the formerly known Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints. Salute to #34 Earl Campbell.
I'd put Earl Campbell at least 20 or 25 spots higher on an all-time list. His style took its toll, but holy hell, when this man was at his peak, I think he was right there with the likes of Jim Brown, Walter Payton and others. To be that big and that fast, truly incredible.
#55?!?!?! Dude Earl Campbell is one of the greatest backs to play. He was a power back but was insanely fast. He’s way undefeated. Best guy I ever saw play live.
I was raised in Austin and got to see Earl play college and pro. Of all the players I have seen play live in my 54 years, Earl to me is the best of the best. I used to get literal goosebumps watching him play. Earl you are #1 in my list! HOOK EM !!!!
Don’t see how Jim Brown is #2 and Earl Campbell is #55. Campbell played in the dirty era of football and still killed it. Brown was great no doubt, but everyone was a twig in his era. Put Campbell in brown’s era and he would have never been tackled.
No, everyone was not a twig in Brown's era. Freakin Butkus was easily big enough for any era. However, steroid use was far more common in Campbell's era. And, I agree, Campbell deserves to be *much* higher on this list. In fact, I've always struggled over whether he or Dickerson was the GOAT.
My dad played football at UT before Earl and we as a family were privileged enough to not only meet Earl, but he became one of our close family friends. Maybe I'm being biased but the greatest power back in NFL history should be in the top ten. Hes a class act and makes great sausage as well!!
Earl was the man. Most people say either Payton or Brown is the best rb of all time but imo no one could touch Campbell when he was at the top of his game. He may not have had the longest career or the most records, but just peak skill wise, he was the best. That run where he headbutted dude in the chest and had his jersey ripped off is definitely the most badass run of all time.
@@chicosbailbonds9764 They only had a winning record 2 times while Campbell was there. They literally only won 5 games from 81-84. You gonna sit here and tell me that's good?
# 55 are you kidding me??? I thought Earl would definitely have been in the top 10 or 15 at the lowest. Watching him run was really something. He was like a bulldozer & often was impossible to bring down
That highlight of him against the Rams is one of my favorites. Every time I watch it, I just keep wondering how Earl didn't drill a hole through that guy's chest. A hit like that would put the fear of God into even the toughest defenders
Earl "The Pearl" Campbell can not be denied as being one of the best... rankings are subjective and there have been a ton of great players. I can't rule out my own bias, but IMO, he should be much higher than 55th.
To do that at 5'11 230 is remarkable the very last run you saw just how TRULY tired he was all he could do is put his hands on his hips and breathe deep. One of the comments said the original beast mode, I TOTALLY AGREE
The man's sense of balance was phenomenal. Defenses didn't knock him down, they had to drag him down like a pride of lions on a water buffalo. He was also a lot faster than he looked, with a long powerful stride that pushed him forward without having to lift his knees too much. Every defensive coach had nightmares of Earl Campbell running into their secondary. Probably begging God for help and getting nothing but the sound of crickets.
Exactly right. I watched him in college. He sent defenders flying. Many times two guys would be hanging on to him and getting carried down the field, praying for reinforcements. He ran out of the end zone in one game and knocked over our 2,200 pound Texas Longhorn mascot, BEVO! Here's what he did to cornerbacks: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-X9-W43DcZUw.html
@@dropwizerorders501 - I remember seeing him play as a teenager and thinking he was the best running back ever. If only he could have stayed injury-free.
My dad met this guy and Clayborn or Claiborn (can't spell it) in a hotel room once they weren't in the best mood but he asked Claiborn "what would u do if earl Campbell is running straight towards you" and Claiborn said "I'd get the hell outta the way"
@@larrysgdzthebest3009 I just read that guy's comment. It was nice. I especially liked the part when he told us that his dad told him that Claiborne, or Clayborn, told him, that if Earl Campbell was coming directly at him or straight at him that he, Clayborne or Claiborn, said "I'd get the hell outa the way".
Best sheer power runner in history holy cow this guy could destroy people. All game every game to because Earl WAS that team just wow. I still am stunned when he literally puts his helmet square onto the other guys chest and bowls him over
There have been MANY unspeakably talented RBs in pro football. But you can have them ALL. If I were starting a franchise my RB would be Earl. I would do much more to keep him healthy and extend his career, but other than that he is the PERFECT power back.
Lifelong Cowboys fan. My number 2 were the Oilers. Number 3 were the Browns. Cowboys fans were kinda like always expecting Victory, not quiet but not rabid. Oilers fans were blue collar, loud, and spirited. Luv ya Blue. Earl Campbell was my favorite running back. He was good for those fans and their coach. Sad shame they left town. #34 was something special. God bless
For sure. Rating him #55 is a joke. I saw him in college and with the Oilers. I've never seen a RB steamroll guys like Earl did. He would leave bodies all over the field.
Him laying out Isaiah Robertson of the Rams (who wasn’t a slouch btw) has got to be the most iconic run highlight in NFL history! Surely up for debate! I mean, tmw I might think different but at this very moment, it goes down as the one for me. And believe me, as far as highlights go I’ve darn near seen them all😂
I said this on another video featuring Earl Campbell. His strength and physical running style are well known. However, his foot speed and balance were severely underrated.
1. The chose Jerome to do the commentary because he was the closest thing to Earl Campbell 2. To be under 6 feet and weigh over 230 lbs, and can RUN, is a very rare athlete
The best power Back in NFL history. I seen that Monday night game vs Miami the Rams game. I also remember crying after the AFC championship games in 78 & 79 the steel curtain was better than the houston offensive those games. Earl was the houston oilers
Can you imagine how many yiards he would had if he played for teams like Dallas or Pittsburgh the two top teams in that 70s. Houston was not a good team at the time great man great football player.
Other than Jim Brown The Greatest Power Running Back Of All Time ! Period ! Further,when you have one of the greatest defensive player of all time which is Mean Joe Greene say that you are scary and also say that not only could The great Earl Cam pbell run over you but run around you as well at the size he was in his prime against The Steel Curtain nothing else needs to be said ! Furthermore, despite not having 10.000 yards and not playing 10 years he should be in Pro Football Hall Of Fame !!!!!!! We need to get a petition started to get The Great Earl Campbell in The Football Hall Of Fame !
Bum Phillips once commented on Earl not being able to finish the mile run during training camp: "When it's first and a mile, we won't give it to him." I think they only threw to give Earl a couple of plays off.
It just goes to show how much power he ran with when you have Jerome "The Bus" Bettis commentating. As a Titans fan I've been missing these days for God knows how long lol
Hands down greatest power back of all time. His thighs where 34 inches each. He once knocked the Texas Longhorns mascot down on the sideline in college (a real Longhorn steer) . The man was a beast but he was a great person to he just wanted people to be his friend.
When I was a kid I thought there were 2 supermen, both wore # 34, one was in Chicago and the other was in Houston, two of the best backs ever, my opinion👍
Here is the very exclusive list of NFL Hall of Famers who won the Heisman Trophy-Doak Walker, Paul Hornung, Roger Staubach, OJ Simpson, Tony Dorsett, Earl Campbell, Marcus Allen, Barry Sanders and Tim Brown; Charles Woodson will likely be number 10, pretty good company
the power the strength the force the built the fight the aggressiveness the ferociousness Earl Campbell had you wouldn't dare to compare him to ANYBODY.......my GOODNESS!!!!!! SMH
Kids, that hard hitting assassin that hit Earl Campbell at the goal line, that's Jack "The Assassin" Tatum aka Hardest Hitting DB Ever! That guy paralyzed a player on the field. True story!
