NFL Draft: The Greatest 1st Overall Picks Ever

35. There have been strong, power running backs all throughout the history of the NFL. None of them left a lasting legacy of devastation quite like Earl Campbell did. Defenders not only hated to tackle the Houston Oilers great, but he often left five or six of them in his wake from forearms, headbutts and flying knees on the way to another touchdown.For a good 4-5 year stretch from 1978 to 1983 he was the best in football without question and the darling of the state of Texas. <p> </p> <p>During that span he never had fewer than 1,300 rushing yards or 10 touchdowns in a season and was league MVP in 1979. If not for the dynasty era Pittsburgh Steelers, he could’ve won at least one Super Bowl title. Sadly overuse by his coaches combined with his physical style led to his body breaking down fast and by 1986 he was gone. It’s a testament to what he accomplished and the mark he made on the game that people remember him so vividly despite playing just eight seasons.</p>. RB. Texas. Earl Campbell . 10. player