There's no more volatile position in all of professional sports than that of the NFL running back. A job that is demanding on both mind and body, many of the NFLs greatest rocketed to stardom for a few seasons, only to fall just as quickly, with legs weakened by the constant physical abuse inflicted over the years. We always remember the ones that are able to fend off time and post record setting numbers, but the most dominant runners were often overworked, resulting in short-lived careers,victimized by their own success. Of all the great runners to ever put on the pads, no one was more dominant than Houston Oilers tailback Earl Campbell.
With an 8-6 in 1977, good for 2nd place in the AFC Central division, the Oilers already had a respectable squad, but lacked a premier running back to complement quarterback Dan Pastorini. Acquiring the Heisman Trophy winner from nearby University of Texas seemed like a no-brainer, and Houston sent future Pro-Bowl tight end Jimmie Giles, their 1st and 2nd round picks in that draft, and the 3rd and 4th round picks of the following draft to Tampa Bay to move up to the #1 overall selection.
Almost immediately, Campbell dominated in the NFL. A different kind of runner, Campbell, at 5’11” and 232 pounds, has a combination of power and speed that opponents had never seen before. He had the moves to go around you, or could just as easily power through you. It always took several defenders to bring him down, as his muscular torso and tree-like thighs proved way too powerful for a single defender to overcome. Campbell was easily the NFLs leading rusher during his first three seasons, averaging almost 1,700 yards, 15 touchdowns and 4.9 yards per carry. However, the years of 300+ rushing attempts against stacked defenses and constant gang-tackling took its toll on Campbell, and his performance quickly tailed off. Campbell retired after just eight seasons, having taken too much of a beating to continue, amassing 9,407 career rushing yards
Presented is a game-used Houston Oilers jersey, worn by Hall of Fame runner Earl Campbell during his seven seasons with the Oilers. The front, back, and each sleeve has the number “34” in light blue and red screen print. The sleeves have been custom trimmed and cut open, as has the collar. The jersey shows excellent game use, with scuffs, stains, and a team repair on the right shoulder. LOA from Grey Flannel, Mile High Card Co.