Deeply ingrained in the hearts and minds of many long-time Tyler, Texas residents are visions and memories of one man. Although this relatively small East Texas town is known mainly for its vast acres of beautiful rose fields, Tyler is also the well-known birthplace of Earl Christian Campbell. Born on March 29, 1955, to B.C. (Bert) and Ann Campbell, Earl, the sixth of eleven children, was raised on three specific ideals: the undying importance of pride in oneself, love within the family and faith in God. Though he grew up during a time of prejudice and hatred in this country and encountered many hardships of his own, Earl, with the help and guidance from his family and many "guardian angels," became one of the most influential and memorable athletes this nation has ever known.

Some of Earl's earliest memories of growing up in Tyler are of working in the rose fields with his father. B.C. worked two jobs to support a large and financially struggling family. During the day, he would toil away in the rose fields under the hot Texas sun, and at night, after a short dinner with his family, he would attend his night job at a local K-Mart. From his father's example, Earl quickly learned the importance of commitment and a strong work ethic.

Tragically, however, Earl was only eleven years old when his father passed away from a massive coronary. Earl's mother, Ann, was left to lead her family in recovering from this emotional tragedy, trying to help her children understand how a God they loved and trusted could take away their father. Although Ann assumed most of the family's financial responsibilities, all of the children, including young Earl were expected to assume new leadership roles within the family. Earl, however, was about to discover a new passion in his life that would eventually help him to cope with the losses and hardships he had already dealt with at such a young age.

In the fifth grade, Earl met a young teacher and coach who turned him on to the game of football. This man would become one of many role models and "guardian angels" in his life. Thorndike Lewis coached the first "team" Earl Campbell ever played on, though it WAS only flag football. Many people might think this is where Earl began his days of driving offenses down the field with his powerful runs and bone-jarring stiff arms. But in fact, Earl did not play running back until high school. His first position ever on a football field was as---a kicker! No matter what position he played, though, this was the time when Earl realized that God had blessed him with a special gift: a passionate desire and strong love for the game of football.

When Earl hit sixth grade, Lewis began to notice Earl's overwhelming work ethic and athletic ability. He began to play Earl at middle linebacker and running back as well as kicker. Earl loved to play on the defensive side of the ball. In fact, one of his first football heroes was Dick Butkus. By the time Earl entered seventh grade at a still segregated Dogan Junior High, he was even getting playing time at offensive and defensive lineman positions because of his massive strength and power.

He was already becoming one of the most dominating players of his time, with a devastating combination of determination, size and strength. Coaches and opponents also started to sense his leadership presence among other students on and off the field. This became increasingly important as Earl entered ninth grade at a newly de-segregated Moore Junior High. During a very tumultuous time in this country, Earl came face to face with the hatred many whites had against blacks, especially those who excelled academically or athletically. The black and whites students were constantly at odds. One man, Coach Lawrence La Croix, another of Earl's "guardian angels," decided to bring together the "leaders" of each group and unite the students toward a common goal: winning the football state championship for their future high school---John Tyler HS.

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