Earl’s brother, former Texas star Campbell, passed away at age 68.

The death of a beloved figure in sports often leaves behind a profound sense of loss, both within the community he was part of and among fans who admired him from afar. This is especially true when that figure was an influential athlete who made significant contributions to the sport and was beloved by those who knew him. The passing of Campbell Earl, the older brother of Earl Campbell, the legendary former Texas Longhorns football star, at the age of 68, has shaken the Texas football family, friends, and fans alike.
Campbell Earl, who is best known for his connection to his more famous younger brother, Earl Campbell, the Hall of Famer and one of the most iconic running backs in the history of college and professional football, led a life that deserves recognition beyond his familial ties. Although he was not as well-known on a national scale as Earl, Campbell Earl made significant contributions to his community, his family, and the world around him. His life, in many ways, mirrored the humble, hardworking spirit that made the Campbell family so revered in the state of Texas.
In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of Campbell Earl, the impact of his passing on his family, and the lasting imprint that both brothers have left on the Texas Longhorns football program and the wider football community. We will also reflect on Earl Campbell’s own legacy as a former Texas star and one of the greatest players in college football history, and how the brothers’ bond shaped their lives both on and off the field.
The Life of Campbell Earl
Campbell Earl was born and raised in the small town of Tyler, Texas, in a family that valued hard work, faith, and perseverance. While he may not have reached the same heights as his younger brother, Earl, who would go on to become a Heisman Trophy winner and a top pick in the NFL Draft, Campbell Earl carved out his own path in life. From a young age, it was clear that the Campbell brothers shared not just a passion for football but a deep bond as siblings.
Though Campbell Earl was not as well known as Earl Campbell in terms of football achievements, he was certainly a key figure in his brother’s life. While Earl rose to prominence on the gridiron, Campbell Earl was a constant support system for him, both during his time at the University of Texas and throughout his professional career. He was known for being the quiet strength in the Campbell family—often working behind the scenes and being a stabilizing influence on his younger brother.
Campbell Earl had a reputation for being a humble, hardworking individual who never sought the limelight. Instead, he focused on his personal life, working in the business world and raising a family of his own. He was often described by those who knew him as someone who was deeply committed to his family and his faith. Those who interacted with him knew him as a kind, caring person who put others before himself.
While Campbell Earl may not have pursued a career in football, his dedication to his family and his strong work ethic reflected the values that his younger brother, Earl, would later adopt. Earl often credited his family—especially Campbell Earl—with shaping the man he became. They were close, not just as brothers, but as lifelong companions who supported each other in every step of their respective journeys.
Earl Campbell: A Texas Legend
Before reflecting on Campbell Earl’s death and the deep impact it has had on the family, it’s essential to understand the significance of Earl Campbell’s own legacy—because it’s through Earl’s success that Campbell Earl’s impact on the Texas football community becomes even more apparent. Earl Campbell is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in the history of college football and one of the most iconic players in Texas Longhorns history.
Earl’s career at the University of Texas was nothing short of extraordinary. A two-time All-American, he won the Heisman Trophy in 1977, an award given to the best college football player in the nation. Campbell’s power running, incredible speed, and innate ability to dominate defenders made him a household name, and his performances in the college ranks earned him the admiration of football fans across the country. At Texas, Campbell rushed for more than 4,000 yards and became one of the most feared players to ever step onto the football field.
Earl Campbell’s legacy at Texas is further cemented by the Texas Longhorns’ 1977 season, where they won the Southwest Conference Championship and were among the top teams in the nation. His ability to perform under pressure, make big plays, and put the team on his back is a testament to his skill and character. His impact on the program is still felt today, as his name is forever etched into the university’s football history.
After his success at Texas, Campbell was selected first overall in the 1978 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers, now the Tennessee Titans. There, he continued to establish himself as one of the most dominant running backs in the NFL. Over his career, Campbell rushed for more than 9,000 yards, earned five Pro Bowl selections, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991.
Earl’s career, both in college and the NFL, is a story of dominance, perseverance, and excellence, but it is also a story of family. Through all of his success, Campbell never lost sight of the importance of his family, and Campbell Earl played a central role in that family dynamic. The bond between the two brothers was forged early and remained strong throughout their lives, with Campbell Earl often acting as a pillar of support for his more famous sibling.
The Passing of Campbell Earl
The death of Campbell Earl at the age of 68 has left the Campbell family and the Texas football community grieving. Earl Campbell’s brother, while not a public figure in the same way Earl was, was still an essential part of the foundation that helped shape Earl’s life both as a man and as an athlete. The news of Campbell Earl’s passing has brought about an outpouring of support from fans, former teammates, and friends of the Campbell family, all of whom recognized the profound influence he had on Earl’s career and life.
In interviews following the announcement of Campbell Earl’s death, Earl Campbell spoke about his brother’s quiet strength, unwavering support, and dedication to their family. He reflected on how Campbell Earl was always there for him, particularly in times of need, and how his brother’s humility and character were things he admired deeply.
The loss of Campbell Earl is deeply personal for Earl, who has faced numerous challenges in his own life, including dealing with the physical toll that football took on his body. In many ways, Campbell Earl was more than just a sibling; he was a confidant, a partner in family matters, and a steadying influence in a world that could sometimes be overwhelming. For Earl Campbell, the death of his brother marks the loss of someone who was a cornerstone in his life, both in and outside of football.
The Impact on the Texas Football Community
Campbell Earl’s passing has not only affected the Campbell family but has also rippled throughout the Texas football community. For Longhorn fans, the name Campbell is synonymous with greatness. Earl Campbell is revered as one of the greatest players to ever wear the burnt orange and white, and his legacy is an integral part of the history of Texas football.
Though Campbell Earl was not directly involved in the program, his influence on the Campbell family cannot be overstated. The Campbell family has been a staple of Texas football lore, and Campbell Earl’s passing marks the end of an era for the Longhorns community, which has long held the family in high regard. Texas fans, alumni, and former players have all expressed their condolences, honoring Campbell Earl for the role he played in supporting his brother’s success and in contributing to the culture of family and teamwork that has always been a hallmark of Longhorn football.
Many fans have also taken to social media to express their sadness at the loss, remembering the Campbell brothers and their lasting impact on the Texas football program. There is no doubt that Campbell Earl’s passing has left a void, not just in the Campbell family, but in the Texas football family as well.
Remembering Campbell Earl
As we reflect on the life of Campbell Earl, it’s important to remember that while he may not have been a public figure in the same way as his brother, his life was no less significant. His work, his faith, and his commitment to his family all left an indelible mark on those who knew him. He was not a football player in the traditional sense, but he was a player in the game of life, supporting his family with love and dedication.
In the end, Campbell Earl’s legacy is about more than just his connection to his famous younger brother; it’s about the quiet strength that so many of us often take for granted. His impact may not be measured in yards or touchdowns, but in the way he helped shape the life of one of football’s most legendary figures and the way he quietly influenced the Texas Longhorns football program. His life reminds us that sometimes the greatest support we can give to others doesn’t come with a spotlight, but through the simple acts of love, care, and service that define a life well-lived.
As the Campbell family mourns this loss, we honor Campbell Earl’s life and the many ways he contributed to his community and family. His passing is a poignant reminder of the importance of family, and how those who support us behind the scenes often make the greatest impact on our lives. The Texas Longhorns, the Campbell family, and the entire football world have lost a humble, cherished figure. May his memory live on, not just through his famous brother, but through the many lives he touched throughout his own.
The death of a beloved figure in sports often leaves behind a profound sense of loss, both within the community he was part of and among fans who admired him from afar. This is especially true when that figure was an influential athlete who made significant contributions to the sport and was beloved by those who knew him. The passing of Campbell Earl, the older brother of Earl Campbell, the legendary former Texas Longhorns football star, at the age of 68, has shaken the Texas football family, friends, and fans alike.
Campbell Earl, who is best known for his connection to his more famous younger brother, Earl Campbell, the Hall of Famer and one of the most iconic running backs in the history of college and professional football, led a life that deserves recognition beyond his familial ties. Although he was not as well-known on a national scale as Earl, Campbell Earl made significant contributions to his community, his family, and the world around him. His life, in many ways, mirrored the humble, hardworking spirit that made the Campbell family so revered in the state of Texas.
In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of Campbell Earl, the impact of his passing on his family, and the lasting imprint that both brothers have left on the Texas Longhorns football program and the wider football community. We will also reflect on Earl Campbell’s own legacy as a former Texas star and one of the greatest players in college football history, and how the brothers’ bond shaped their lives both on and off the field.
The Life of Campbell Earl
Campbell Earl was born and raised in the small town of Tyler, Texas, in a family that valued hard work, faith, and perseverance. While he may not have reached the same heights as his younger brother, Earl, who would go on to become a Heisman Trophy winner and a top pick in the NFL Draft, Campbell Earl carved out his own path in life. From a young age, it was clear that the Campbell brothers shared not just a passion for football but a deep bond as siblings.
Though Campbell Earl was not as well known as Earl Campbell in terms of football achievements, he was certainly a key figure in his brother’s life. While Earl rose to prominence on the gridiron, Campbell Earl was a constant support system for him, both during his time at the University of Texas and throughout his professional career. He was known for being the quiet strength in the Campbell family—often working behind the scenes and being a stabilizing influence on his younger brother.
Campbell Earl had a reputation for being a humble, hardworking individual who never sought the limelight. Instead, he focused on his personal life, working in the business world and raising a family of his own. He was often described by those who knew him as someone who was deeply committed to his family and his faith. Those who interacted with him knew him as a kind, caring person who put others before himself.
While Campbell Earl may not have pursued a career in football, his dedication to his family and his strong work ethic reflected the values that his younger brother, Earl, would later adopt. Earl often credited his family—especially Campbell Earl—with shaping the man he became. They were close, not just as brothers, but as lifelong companions who supported each other in every step of their respective journeys.
Earl Campbell: A Texas Legend
Before reflecting on Campbell Earl’s death and the deep impact it has had on the family, it’s essential to understand the significance of Earl Campbell’s own legacy—because it’s through Earl’s success that Campbell Earl’s impact on the Texas football community becomes even more apparent. Earl Campbell is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in the history of college football and one of the most iconic players in Texas Longhorns history.
Earl’s career at the University of Texas was nothing short of extraordinary. A two-time All-American, he won the Heisman Trophy in 1977, an award given to the best college football player in the nation. Campbell’s power running, incredible speed, and innate ability to dominate defenders made him a household name, and his performances in the college ranks earned him the admiration of football fans across the country. At Texas, Campbell rushed for more than 4,000 yards and became one of the most feared players to ever step onto the football field.
Earl Campbell’s legacy at Texas is further cemented by the Texas Longhorns’ 1977 season, where they won the Southwest Conference Championship and were among the top teams in the nation. His ability to perform under pressure, make big plays, and put the team on his back is a testament to his skill and character. His impact on the program is still felt today, as his name is forever etched into the university’s football history.
After his success at Texas, Campbell was selected first overall in the 1978 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers, now the Tennessee Titans. There, he continued to establish himself as one of the most dominant running backs in the NFL. Over his career, Campbell rushed for more than 9,000 yards, earned five Pro Bowl selections, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991.
Earl’s career, both in college and the NFL, is a story of dominance, perseverance, and excellence, but it is also a story of family. Through all of his success, Campbell never lost sight of the importance of his family, and Campbell Earl played a central role in that family dynamic. The bond between the two brothers was forged early and remained strong throughout their lives, with Campbell Earl often acting as a pillar of support for his more famous sibling.
The Passing of Campbell Earl
The death of Campbell Earl at the age of 68 has left the Campbell family and the Texas football community grieving. Earl Campbell’s brother, while not a public figure in the same way Earl was, was still an essential part of the foundation that helped shape Earl’s life both as a man and as an athlete. The news of Campbell Earl’s passing has brought about an outpouring of support from fans, former teammates, and friends of the Campbell family, all of whom recognized the profound influence he had on Earl’s career and life.
In interviews following the announcement of Campbell Earl’s death, Earl Campbell spoke about his brother’s quiet strength, unwavering support, and dedication to their family. He reflected on how Campbell Earl was always there for him, particularly in times of need, and how his brother’s humility and character were things he admired deeply.
The loss of Campbell Earl is deeply personal for Earl, who has faced numerous challenges in his own life, including dealing with the physical toll that football took on his body. In many ways, Campbell Earl was more than just a sibling; he was a confidant, a partner in family matters, and a steadying influence in a world that could sometimes be overwhelming. For Earl Campbell, the death of his brother marks the loss of someone who was a cornerstone in his life, both in and outside of football.
The Impact on the Texas Football Community
Campbell Earl’s passing has not only affected the Campbell family but has also rippled throughout the Texas football community. For Longhorn fans, the name Campbell is synonymous with greatness. Earl Campbell is revered as one of the greatest players to ever wear the burnt orange and white, and his legacy is an integral part of the history of Texas football.
Though Campbell Earl was not directly involved in the program, his influence on the Campbell family cannot be overstated. The Campbell family has been a staple of Texas football lore, and Campbell Earl’s passing marks the end of an era for the Longhorns community, which has long held the family in high regard. Texas fans, alumni, and former players have all expressed their condolences, honoring Campbell Earl for the role he played in supporting his brother’s success and in contributing to the culture of family and teamwork that has always been a hallmark of Longhorn football.
Many fans have also taken to social media to express their sadness at the loss, remembering the Campbell brothers and their lasting impact on the Texas football program. There is no doubt that Campbell Earl’s passing has left a void, not just in the Campbell family, but in the Texas football family as well.
Remembering Campbell Earl
As we reflect on the life of Campbell Earl, it’s important to remember that while he may not have been a public figure in the same way as his brother, his life was no less significant. His work, his faith, and his commitment to his family all left an indelible mark on those who knew him. He was not a football player in the traditional sense, but he was a player in the game of life, supporting his family with love and dedication.
In the end, Campbell Earl’s legacy is about more than just his connection to his famous younger brother; it’s about the quiet strength that so many of us often take for granted. His impact may not be measured in yards or touchdowns, but in the way he helped shape the life of one of football’s most legendary figures and the way he quietly influenced the Texas Longhorns football program. His life reminds us that sometimes the greatest support we can give to others doesn’t come with a spotlight, but through the simple acts of love, care, and service that define a life well-lived.
As the Campbell family mourns this loss, we honor Campbell Earl’s life and the many ways he contributed to his community and family. His passing is a poignant reminder of the importance of family, and how those who support us behind the scenes often make the greatest impact on our lives. The Texas Longhorns, the Campbell family, and the entire football world have lost a humble, cherished figure. May his memory live on, not just through his famous brother, but through the many lives he touched throughout his own.