Texas' Heisman Trophy Winners: Campbell and Williams Lead Longhorns' Football Legacy
The University of Texas boasts two exceptional Heisman Trophy winners who left an indelible mark on college football. Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams stand as pillars of excellence in the Longhorns' storied history. These legendary running backs captured the most prestigious individual award in college football, cementing Texas' reputation as a powerhouse program.
Campbell blazed the trail in 1977, rushing for an impressive 1,744 yards and 19 touchdowns. His dominant performance against rival Texas A&M, where he racked up 222 yards, solidified his claim to the Heisman. Williams followed in Campbell's footsteps 21 years later, winning the award in 1998. During his collegiate career, Williams amassed an astounding 6,279 rushing yards and 72 touchdowns.
Both Campbell and Williams showcased exceptional talent and determination, setting records and inspiring future generations of Texas football players. Their Heisman victories not only brought individual glory but also elevated the Texas Longhorns' national profile. These two running backs remain iconic figures in the annals of college football and continue to be celebrated by fans and sports enthusiasts alike.
The Heisman Trophy
The Heisman Trophy stands as college football's most prestigious individual award. Its rich history and significance have made it a coveted honor for players across the nation, including those from the University of Texas.
Origin and Significance
The Heisman Trophy originated in 1935 as the DAC Trophy, established by the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City. It was later renamed to honor legendary coach John Heisman. The award recognizes the most outstanding player in college football each year.
The trophy itself is a bronze statue depicting a player sidestepping with a stiff arm. It has become an iconic symbol of excellence in collegiate athletics. The Heisman Trust now oversees the award, maintaining its integrity and prestige.
Winners are selected through a voting process involving sports journalists and former Heisman recipients. The annual trophy presentation ceremony has become a major televised event, drawing national attention to the sport and its top performers.
Texas Longhorns and the Heisman
The University of Texas has a proud history with the Heisman Trophy, boasting two winners who left indelible marks on college football. Earl Campbell, known as the "Tyler Rose," became the first Longhorn to win the award in 1977.
Campbell's powerful running style and dominant senior season, which included 1,744 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns, secured his place in Heisman lore. Twenty-one years later, Ricky Williams brought the trophy back to Austin in 1998.
Williams capped his remarkable college career with 2,124 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns in his senior year. His performance set new records and cemented the Longhorns' reputation for producing elite running backs.
Earl Campbell
Earl Campbell stands as one of the most dominant running backs in college football history. His bruising style and incredible performances at the University of Texas culminated in winning the 1977 Heisman Trophy.
College Career
Campbell arrived at Texas in 1974, immediately making an impact as a freshman. He rushed for 928 yards his first year, showcasing the power and speed that would become his trademark. As a sophomore, Campbell improved to 1,118 rushing yards.
Injuries limited his junior season, but Campbell returned with a vengeance in 1977. He led the nation in rushing with 1,744 yards and 19 touchdowns. His punishing running style earned him the nickname "The Tyler Rose," a nod to his hometown.
Campbell's senior year performances were legendary. He rushed for 200+ yards four times, including a 222-yard game against Texas A&M.
Path to the Heisman
Campbell's 1977 season was a tour de force that overwhelmed Heisman voters. He averaged 6.5 yards per carry and scored at least one touchdown in every game.
Key performances included:
213 yards vs. Rice
188 yards vs. #8 Oklahoma
191 yards vs. #8 Texas A&M
Campbell won the Heisman by a wide margin over Oklahoma State's Terry Miller. He became the first Longhorn to win the award, cementing his place in Texas football lore.
After the Heisman
The Houston Oilers selected Campbell first overall in the 1978 NFL Draft. He continued his dominance as a pro, winning NFL MVP in 1979 and earning three consecutive rushing titles from 1978-1980.
Campbell's NFL career lasted eight seasons. He retired with 9,407 rushing yards and 74 touchdowns. His impact on the game earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991.
Post-retirement, Campbell has remained connected to Texas football. He's a beloved figure in Austin and continues to inspire new generations of Longhorn running backs.
Ricky Williams
Ricky Williams left an indelible mark on college football as one of the most prolific running backs in history. His record-breaking career at the University of Texas culminated in winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
Record-Breaking College Career
Williams dominated the college football landscape during his time at Texas from 1995 to 1998. He amassed an astounding 6,279 rushing yards and 72 touchdowns over his four-year career.
His senior season was particularly spectacular. Williams rushed for 2,124 yards and 27 touchdowns, shattering numerous records along the way.
He broke Tony Dorsett's 22-year-old NCAA career rushing record, cementing his place in college football history. Williams also claimed the Doak Walker Award twice and the Maxwell Award.
Journey to the Heisman
Williams' exceptional 1998 season propelled him to Heisman Trophy glory. He received 2,355 points in the Heisman ballot, winning by the fourth-largest margin in the award's 64-year history.
This achievement made Williams the second Texas Longhorn to win the Heisman, joining Earl Campbell who won in 1977. His victory speech reflected on the significance of following in Campbell's footsteps.
Williams capped off his college career with a stellar performance in the 1999 Cotton Bowl Classic, setting a bowl record with 248 all-purpose yards.
Professional Pursuits
The New Orleans Saints selected Williams fifth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. His professional career spanned 11 seasons, including stints with the Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens.
Williams earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2002 after leading the NFL in rushing with 1,853 yards. He finished his NFL career with 10,009 rushing yards and 66 touchdowns.
Despite some controversies and brief retirements, Williams left a lasting impact on the game. His combination of power and speed made him one of the most formidable running backs of his era.
Impact and Legacy
Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams left an indelible mark on Texas football and the sport as a whole. Their Heisman-winning performances elevated the Longhorns' national profile and inspired generations of players.
Cultural Influence of Winners
Campbell's "Tyler Rose" nickname became synonymous with power and grace on the field. His bruising running style captivated fans and changed how the fullback position was viewed. Williams broke rushing records and challenged perceptions with his dreadlocks and outspoken personality.
Both players transcended football, becoming Texas icons. Their jerseys and memorabilia remain top sellers decades later. Campbell's post-football business ventures and Williams' advocacy for medical marijuana kept them in the public eye.
Texas and National Recognition
The Heisman wins bolstered Texas' reputation as a football powerhouse. Campbell's 1977 trophy helped cement the Longhorns' dominance in the Southwest Conference era. Williams' 1998 award ushered Texas into national prominence in the Big 12.
Their success attracted top recruits to Austin and boosted the university's brand. The Cotton Bowl named its MVP award after Campbell. Williams' NCAA rushing record stood for 15 years.
Both players earned spots in the College Football Hall of Fame. Their Heisman statues outside Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium serve as inspiration for current Longhorns.
Notable Texas Longhorns
The University of Texas football program has produced many exceptional players who have left an indelible mark on college football. These athletes have achieved remarkable success both individually and for their team.
Heisman Contenders and Winners
Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams stand out as Texas' two Heisman Trophy winners. Campbell, nicknamed "The Tyler Rose," won in 1977 after a dominant senior season. He rushed for 1,744 yards and 19 touchdowns, leading Texas to a Southwest Conference title.
Williams captured the Heisman in 1998, capping off a stellar career. He set numerous records, including the NCAA Division I-A career rushing record with 6,279 yards. Williams also won the Doak Walker Award twice.
Other Longhorns have come close to Heisman glory. Vince Young finished second in 2005, leading Texas to a national championship. Colt McCoy was the runner-up in 2008.
Other Significant Players
Texas football has seen many standout performers beyond Heisman contenders. Bobby Layne, a quarterback in the 1940s, became a College Football Hall of Famer and NFL legend. He led Texas to three bowl victories, including a Cotton Bowl win.
Kenneth Sims, a dominant defensive tackle, won the Lombardi Award in 1981. Roosevelt Leaks made history as the first Black All-American at Texas in 1973. Jimmy Saxton dazzled fans in the early 1960s with his elusive running style.
More recent stars like Cedric Benson and Bijan Robinson have continued Texas' tradition of elite running backs. These players have helped maintain the Longhorns' status as a perennial football powerhouse.
Longhorns in the Heisman Race
The University of Texas has produced two Heisman Trophy winners and several other strong contenders throughout its storied football history. These athletes have left an indelible mark on the program and college football as a whole.
Heisman Candidates from University of Texas
Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams stand out as Texas' Heisman Trophy winners. Campbell claimed the prestigious award in 1977, while Williams secured it in 1998. Both running backs dominated college football during their respective eras.
Bobby Layne emerged as a notable Heisman candidate in the 1940s. The quarterback finished eighth in 1946 and sixth in 1947, showcasing the Longhorns' early presence in the race.
In 1997, Ricky Williams placed fifth in Heisman voting before his triumphant campaign the following year. His 714 first-place votes in 1998 rank third-most in the award's history.
Texas' Heisman Legacy
The Longhorns' Heisman legacy extends beyond their two winners. Texas has consistently produced top-tier talent capable of competing for college football's highest individual honor.
Earl Campbell's 1977 victory established Texas as a program that could produce Heisman-caliber players. His powerful running style and dominance on the field set a high standard for future Longhorns.
Ricky Williams' 1998 win further cemented Texas' place in Heisman lore. His record-breaking career and charismatic personality captivated voters and fans alike.
The 21-year gap between Campbell and Williams' victories highlights the difficulty of winning the award and the cyclical nature of college football success.
