From Earl Campbell’s legendary dominance to Tom Landry’s lasting legacy, discover which Longhorn legends secured a spot on the definitive ranking of Austin's greatest professional football icons.
The Texas Longhorns have had hundreds and hundreds of players grace an NFL field over the years, and there are some absolute stars to go through.
Given that we are in the "down" time of the NFL offseason, we can compile a list of the top 10 NFL players of all time from Texas.
But who is deserving to be top of that list? You pick away ...
The top 10 can include some star names in Raymond Clayborn, Earl Thomas, Bobby Dillon, Diron Talbert, Steve McMichael, Tom Landry, Tommy Nobis, Priest Holmes, Ricky Williams, Bobby Layne, and Earl Campbell.
Let's land on star running back Earl Campbell.
Having played just eight seasons in the league after being drafted first overall in the 1978 NFL Draft, Campbell might have had the best start to an NFL career ever.
Playing for the Houston Oilers, Campbell's first three years were elite by most metrics.
In his rookie season, Earl put up huge numbers. He totaled 1,450 yards and 13 TDs to earn All-Pro honors.
The following season (1979), Campbell didn't slow down.
In 16 games, Campbell put up an eye-watering 1,697 yards and 19 TDs, again earning All-Pro honors and winning the MVP award.
But there's more.
The following year, Campbell continued his elite form, managing 1,934 yards and 13 TDs to earn his third straight All-Pro nod.
His first three years in the league were elite in every aspect as he was a dominant force on the ground.
His career only spanned eight years, but you could make the case that it was some of the best eight years in football.
Campbell was Offensive Player of the Year three times, was an MVP, led the league in rushing three times, was a first-team All-Pro three times, and is a member of the 1970s All-Decade Team along with the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time team.
Oh, and he's also in the Hall of Fame as well.
Campbell's fire burned bright in his first few seasons in the NFL, and he changed teams in 1984, swapping Houston for New Orleans, and he managed 833 yards and a touchdown in his 24 games.
But for most, Campbell will always be remembered as an Oiler, and those first couple of seasons when he burst onto the scene were simply incredible.
And he's worthy of the No. 1 spot.
