In a tribute befitting a true legend, Texas football icon Earl Campbell has been named one of the 100 most influential people in sports by TIME 100 magazine — a richly deserved recognition that celebrates his lasting impact on and off the field. Known affectionately as “The Tyler Rose,” Campbell’s journey from a small-town Texas standout to a national football icon has inspired generations of fans, athletes, and advocates alike.

While this honor is fictional, it encapsulates the deep respect and admiration held for Campbell’s extraordinary career, his cultural significance, and his unwavering commitment to bettering the lives of others.

A Force on the Field

Earl Campbell’s name is etched into football history as one of the most powerful and dynamic running backs the sport has ever seen. A native of Tyler, Texas, Campbell’s legend began at John Tyler High School, where he bulldozed his way into the state’s collective consciousness. His dominance continued at the University of Texas, where he captured the 1977 Heisman Trophy, becoming the school’s first-ever recipient of the prestigious award.

Drafted first overall by the Houston Oilers in 1978, Campbell wasted no time making his presence known in the NFL. He earned NFL MVP honors as a rookie, racking up over 1,400 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Over the next five seasons, he would go on to lead the league in rushing three times, earn five Pro Bowl selections, and become the face of power football in the late 1970s and early ’80s.

His punishing running style, low center of gravity, and relentless drive made him a nightmare for defenders and a hero for fans. Opposing coaches feared him, teammates revered him, and fans adored him. Earl Campbell wasn’t just a football player — he was a movement.

A Legacy That Transcends Stats

While Campbell’s statistics speak volumes — over 9,400 career rushing yards, 74 touchdowns, and a bust in the Pro Football Hall of Fame — his influence stretches far beyond the gridiron.

After retiring in 1985, Campbell faced numerous health challenges, many stemming from the very playing style that made him famous. He has openly spoken about his struggles with mobility, pain management, and the lasting effects of football on his body. But rather than retreat from the spotlight, Campbell leaned into his platform with courage and authenticity.

He became a powerful advocate for player health and disability awareness, using his story to shed light on the toll football takes on athletes long after the cheering stops. His voice added urgency to conversations about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), painkiller addiction, and the need for better post-career support for players.

Campbell’s openness gave other athletes the courage to speak out, and his influence helped spur changes in how the NFL and NCAA approach player welfare. In a sport that often values toughness over transparency, Campbell’s vulnerability became one of his most powerful contributions.

More Than a Football Hero

Beyond his advocacy, Campbell has remained deeply involved in his community and in Texas culture. He launched the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, which honors the top offensive player in Division I football with Texas ties — a way of giving back to young athletes and shining a light on local excellence.

He also runs a successful sausage and meat products business, proving that life after football can be just as impactful as life during it. Through entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and public speaking, Campbell continues to embody the values of hard work, resilience, and humility.

Whether attending Longhorn games, mentoring young players, or participating in charity events, Campbell remains a beloved presence in Texas. His larger-than-life persona is matched only by the size of his heart — a quality that has endeared him to generations of fans.

TIME 100: A Fictional, But Fitting Tribute

Though this recognition by TIME 100 is fictional, its sentiment is deeply real. Earl Campbell’s influence on sports, culture, and humanity is undeniable. In an era where the definition of an “influential athlete” has expanded to include activism, leadership, and legacy, Campbell checks every box.

He is the prototype of a sports hero whose greatness is not confined to highlight reels. His impact reverberates through locker rooms, policy changes, charitable foundations, and the lives of countless young athletes who look up to him not just for how he played, but for how he lives.

If the TIME 100 Most Influential People in Sports were to include a man who helped change football culture, inspired a generation of Texans, and redefined what strength looks like in retirement, Earl Campbell would be on that list without question.

A Symbol of Texas Greatness

To this day, Campbell is a symbol of Texas pride — a reminder of what’s possible with determination, grit, and humility. In stadiums across the Lone Star State, his name still echoes. Fans wear his jersey not just to honor the past, but to carry forward the legacy of one of the greatest athletes to ever wear cleats.

The fictional TIME 100 honor may not come with a trophy or a ceremony, but it reflects what many already believe: Earl Campbell is one of the most influential figures in the history of American sports.

His legacy is not only written in the record books — it’s lived in every player he’s inspired, every fan he’s touched, and every life he’s improved.

Congratulations, Earl. You’ve always been on our list.