BREAKING: The Texas Longhorns will celebrate the immense legacy of legend Earl Campbell by erecting a statue in his honor at..
BREAKING: The Texas Longhorns to Honor Earl Campbell with Statue at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium
In a momentous tribute to one of the greatest figures in college football history, the University of Texas announced today that it will honor Earl Campbell, the legendary running back known as “The Tyler Rose,” with a statue outside Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The announcement comes as part of a broader initiative to celebrate the program’s storied history and its most iconic players.
Earl Campbell’s impact on Texas football is immeasurable. From 1974 to 1977, he thrilled fans with his bruising, powerful running style, redefining the position and setting new standards for excellence. In his senior season, Campbell rushed for 1,744 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning the 1977 Heisman Trophy and cementing his place as one of the most dominant forces in college football history. He remains the only Heisman winner in Longhorns history to come from the running back position.
The statue, set to be unveiled ahead of the 2025 season, will stand proudly on the stadium’s south plaza — a site already rich with tradition and home to statues of other Texas greats. The bronze figure will depict Campbell in his iconic No. 20 jersey, captured mid-stride with his signature physicality, stiff-arming would-be tacklers — a nod to the ferocity and fearlessness that defined his play.
UT President Jay Hartzell spoke at a press conference announcing the tribute: “Earl Campbell is more than just a football player — he is a symbol of determination, perseverance, and excellence. His contributions to our university and to the sport of football deserve to be immortalized. This statue will remind future generations of Longhorns what it means to play with heart.”
Campbell, who was in attendance, expressed deep gratitude. “This university changed my life. From the first time I stepped on campus, I felt like I was part of something bigger. I gave everything I had on that field, and I’m honored that this statue will stand as a reminder of what we accomplished together.”
After his collegiate career, Campbell was selected first overall in the 1978 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers and went on to a Hall of Fame professional career, earning NFL MVP honors in his rookie season. Yet despite his pro accolades, his roots in Texas football run deep, and his loyalty to the Longhorns program has never wavered.
The announcement has been met with overwhelming support from alumni, fans, and former teammates. Ricky Williams, fellow Heisman winner and Texas great, praised the move: “Earl paved the way for players like me. He set the standard. This statue is long overdue.”
As the Longhorns look toward a future that includes joining the Southeastern Conference, the timing of the tribute underscores a program proud of its past while striving for greatness ahead. The Earl Campbell statue will serve as a permanent beacon of inspiration — a reminder that legends are made in burnt orange.
