Earl Campbell's undiagnosed spinal condition was particularly dangerous for the type of power runner he was. "As bad as it would have been for me not to be an athlete, I think when they tell a young man that they can't do something because of stenosis, I think they should really take a hearing to what the doctors are saying," Campbell said. Feb 1, 2017 10:20 AM But amid a conversation about social justice led by Texas players on campus following George Floyd's death in police custody in Minneapolis, Jamail's three sons asked the university to remove their late father's name and replace it with the names of the two Longhorns legends, replacing a wealthy booster's name with two of the most prominent Black athletes in school history. He was Offensive Player of the Year as a rookie and the NFL MVP in his second season. - The game has evolved. Take a look back at the dominance of Longhorns icon and Hall of Fame running back Earl Campbell. [4] He was ranked as the sixth hardest hitter in NFL history by NFL Films and was elected to three Pro Bowls. "In college and pro football, I never had nothing but a doctor telling me to turn your head to the right and cough," Campbell said. he said. A year after the Stingley hit, Tatum and Campbell met in the Astrodome in the first quarter of a November game between the Oilers and the Raiders. The other one would just be like paralyzed from the neck down. Campbell could run 100 meters in 10.5 seconds, a more-than-respectable time for many a lithe wide receiver, but downright unfair when paired with his wrecking-ball physique and practiced. Tatum's most infamous hit came in an exhibition game against the New England Patriots on August 12, 1978, a play that Tatum later stated he did "thousands of times" in practice and in regular game coverage. They do, even on legal hits. Campbell didn't do anything to dissuade the notion. By that time, Tatum's teammates, as well as Tatum himself, began to call him "Assassin" because of his fearsome style of play. When was Jack Tatum born? The NFL is nothing more than glorified flag football. Hes right. His reputation as the hardest hitting player of his era was well deserved as several of his hits on opposing receivers and running backs are still talked about today. "[4] According to Stingley in his 1983 autobiography, Happy To Be Alive, Tatum never made any effort to apologize or to see him after the incident. Tatum separated players from the ball. And he said, 'No. Another Big 12 team makes Bottom 10's latest list, The 150 greatest players in college football's 150-year history. But if he played today, his career might not have even happened. "That's essentially a spinal cord inflammation, a transient inflammation usually, where it jolts the spinal cord and it usually happens because you've got some preexisting stenosis and narrowing," Spoonamore said, noting that there are now medical staffers who would check a player after a hit like that rather than just taking their word for it. He is also special assistant to Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds, in charge of mentoring Longhorns athletes. Will epic playoff collapse open door for a Chargers coaching change? As I've said over and over, it's a violent game. __________________________________. [2] They were supposed to meet once in a television interview, but Stingley backed out when he found out Tatum was promoting his new autobiography during the interview. Stingley slanted inside and jumped to make the catch, and Jack gave him a good, clean shot -- very hard, but clean. The so-called hits he takes now pale in comparison to the 70s and 80s. [2] The ball fell into the hands of Steelers running back Franco Harris, who ran it 42 yards for the game-winning touchdown. I went and got help for that and I'm not ashamed of it.". With this revelation, Jones, Campbell's surgeon, went back and watched the play. So did the constant agitation for painkillers, which he would wash down with Budweiser. . But that wasn't the extent of Tatum's 10 seasons in the NFL. A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Tatum was a unanimous All-American in 1969 and 1970. Thank goodness astroturf is gone, too, that was just green cement! During Monti Ossenfort's introductory press conference Tuesday, Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill noted that DeAndre Hopkins' future would be top of mind once his new GM settles in. Tatum retired after being released by the Oilers following the 1980season. No more office workers or sports bloggers whove never played a down of organized football in their lives spewing their ignorance. Well, football is not played like it was when I played, Campbell told USA Today. He, too, wrote an autobiography (co-authored by yours truly), and even borrowed from the title of Tatum's book. This is often regarded as one of the biggest hits in Super Bowl history. these dinky receivers would get their heads ripped off by Blount , Tatum or Houston.can you imagine how these QBs of today would be left crying with their faces busted open by the Steel Curtain ,Doomsday or the Purple People Eaters ..????? And rightfully so. No, they arent better today theyre coddled. Could Tom Brady end up in Miami, after all? They saw him only in the light cast by a single play, rather than for his complete body of work. He realized that they were right, so he spent Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's in a rehab facility, suffering from tremors and cold sweats from the withdrawal. His views on the current game are a little surprising. Parris Campbell 2019 Panini Player of the Day Cracked Ice Jersey #PC GAME USED JERSEY RC "The lick I took from Jack Tatum, that's the only time I ever felt somebody hit me," Campbell told ESPN. He was a beast. [3][4] According to Madden, "It was something that ate on him for his whole life. Tatum, who was known for his devastating hits, including one a year earlier that ended the career of Darryl Stingley and left him paralyzed, delivered a blow to Campbell that he never saw coming. You don't even have to look elsewhere to consider how Campbell's condition might have been handled today. orange and blue own the nfl says: In 1974, Tatum had six interceptions and in Super Bowl XI on January 9, 1977, Tatum knocked the helmet off Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Sammy White. There, Jones was surprised to see the man who had captivated the city with the Oilers arrive in a wheelchair. His passing on Tuesday, at age 61, brings forth many more memories than those that come from a seemingly endless highlight reel of his bone-jarring mayhem. "I'm not in none of that pain," Campbell said. When Earl Christian Campbell was leaving for Austin, Dr. Earl Christian Kinsey performed his physical. With Houston at the 1-yard line, the entire building knew Campbell would get the ball. He was 61. "Most of the people playing against him were worried about getting hurt, him running over them," Wade Phillips said. Earl Campbell's undiagnosed spinal condition was particularly dangerous for the type of power runner he was. Next thing I know, I was in so much pain.". He also recovered nine fumbles in his career, returning them for 164 yards. [1] Tatum was used by the Buckeyes to cover the opposing team's best wide receiver, but he also was used occasionally as a linebacker due to the nature of his hits and his innate ability to bring down even the biggest fullback or tight end. He was fearless, taking on much larger and stronger opponents such as behemoth Houston Oilers running back Earl Campbell. The Raiders and New England Patriots faced off in a preseason game on August 12, 1978. Campbell had one doctor from birth to college. Now, you have monster guys, in tip top shape, with great equipment going at break neck speed. When opponents played the Raiders, they knew they were in for a physical battle. "There isn't a coach around who wouldn't want his free safety to be as hard-hitting as Tatum, although he was a rare find. Somebody will always break your records. He played 10 seasons, from 1971 through 1980, with the Oakland Raiders and Houston Oilers in the National Football League. I mean I've gotten cut in my throat. He still prefers to be careful and use a scooter or golf cart, "but I still drive a car. _________________________________________. He was 61. Tatum was involved in one of the more significant plays in National Football League history, the Immaculate Reception, during the AFC divisional playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 23, 1972. He might remember his good old days, but I have no desire to see players look that beat up if it can be avoided. Take the skirts off and you wont have to play games in London to make more $$. Remarkably, he feels better than he has for much of his life, an uncommon case among retired NFL running backs. [4] Tatum helped lead the Buckeyes to a 272 record in his three seasons as a starter, with two national championship appearances, two Big Ten titles and two national championships in 1968 and 1970. and with these pass happy sissy rules of today what kind of numbers would Staubach ,Bradshaw,Stabler and Tarkington put up ?????. There were even times, in the course of hitting a receiver, when he'd knock out some of his own teammates who were in on the coverage. Big/strong? football is not played like it was when I played. [2] However, assistant coach Lou Holtz convinced Hayes to switch Tatum to defensive back during Tatum's freshman season. Following the death of Michael Jackson from physician-administered painkillers, Jones became introspective about his role in Campbell's abuse and the likelihood that Campbell, too, could die. His views on the current game are a little surprising. He endured a series of medical missteps that put him in a wheelchair and led him to a dangerous addiction. Earl's own brothers and sisters didn't know. [4] He also suffered from an arterial blockage that cost him his right leg; he used a prosthetic limb thereafter. Just not as physical as it used to be. "I haven't gone nowhere yet," said Campbell . But years later, he would discover through a decades-long medical odyssey, that was only part of the story. Dr. Kinsey delivered him and was so close to the family he even suggested names. (And please wait to see Tatum's hit on Earl Campbell.) Jack Tatum passed away on July 27, 2010 at the age of 61. . [1] Upon hearing of his death, Tressel said, "We have lost one of our greatest Buckeyes."[3]. A lightweight like NEs Tom Brady/others cringes at the prospect no official turn to, protect him with a flag, from the likes Butkus or Jack (put them in dresses) Lambert. Where do Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa and Packers QB Jordan Love stand? And by offering quotes such as this to the media: "I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault.". I think one game we played the Oakland Raiders and Jack Tatum and I had an accident on the one-yard line. Jealousy will get you nowhere. Tatum was voted to three consecutive Pro Bowls and was a member of one Super Bowl-winning team in his nine seasons with the Raiders. Yet this year, he is deliberative as he relishes the biggest honor of a football life filled with so many of them. Heres a look back at Earl Campbells legendary career and how it was always one play away from ending tragically. Watch their music videos complete with lyrics, song meanings and biographies. Tatum, among the most feared and. Dr. Mark Spoonamore, who works with college and pro athletes at the USC Spine Center in Los Angeles, said Campbell's back condition was more dangerous for him than most anyone else who might have played with stenosis. Feb 1, 2017 10:20 AM And it burned. Thank god that Campbell isnt trying to sue the NFL claiming that he didnt know playing football would have long term physical effects. The horror! I never smoked a joint. Feb 1, 2017 10:58 AM The idea was to make that receiver -- but especially the ones that were watching at the time or later on film -- think twice about doing so again. In 1979, on the goal line against the Oakland Raiders, he . Since then, the NFL has placed much greater emphasis on player safety, and continues to do so with rules adjustments designed to help minimize a player's exposure to injury. He said this hit, by Jack Tatum in 1979, sent a shock down his legs. John David Tatum was an American football safety. He constantly gotten up time and time again from getting hit and played with countless injuries that he doesnt talk about. His passing on Tuesday, at age 61, brings forth many more memories than those that come from a seemingly endless highlight reel of his bone-jarring mayhem. It might have been more scrappy back then, but the skill and finesse take front stage now. Jack Tatum's Hit Paralyzes Darryl Stingley. Tatum, who was known for his devastating hits, including one a year earlier that ended the career of Darryl Stingley and left him paralyzed, delivered a blow to Campbell that he never saw coming. orange and blue own the nfl says: Brady would never make it in a more physical NFL. THAT but one example difference yesteryears game to today. ", "Earl has been very lucky that he didn't have any catastrophes when he was playing," said Dr. Stan Jones, a spinal surgeon in Houston who performed Campbell's fifth, and he hopes, final, back procedure in 2008. The owners should want the responsibility of these rules on the players now more than ever. Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott, who was to the 1980s what Tatum was to the 1970s, called the Raiders standout one of his football heroes."One of his greatest hits I ever saw was him hitting Earl . Earl Campbell is one of the greatest players in Titans/Oilers franchise history. What position did Jack Tatum play? In my heart and mind, I forgave Jack Tatum a long time ago. He was named the AP Rookie of the Year, AP Offensive Player of the Year, and was named to the All-Pro and Pro Bowl teams. In 1999, he was diagnosed with a spinal condition where doctors said its a miracle he was never paralyzed during his playing days, and by todays medical standards, he would have never been allowed to play the game. "Not just myself as a spine specialist. Gamesmanship sometimes gets 15 yard penalties. Despite the dire warnings, Floyd begged to keep playing but finally had to relent. And, no, he shouldn't be viewed as a cold, ruthless villain for his crippling hit on New England's Darryl Stingley in 1978. But he never told doctors about what he felt on the play or mentioned it until now. "It's really dangerous. Earl Campbell is a Texas legend who just had the Longhorns' field named after him. MRIs revealed Campbell had metal rods, along with 12 screws, in his vertebrae from the previous procedures. Check the tube. "It was a test of my faith, the entire story. And, at times, he even separated them from their will to do their job. Tatum was inducted into the Ohio State Varsity O Hall of Fame in 1981 and into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004. In his first three years, he became the first NFL running back other than his hero, Jim Brown, to lead the NFL in rushing for three straight seasons, being named first-team All-Pro each year. Look at Tatum hit Earl Campbell, who falls like Ali to Holmes, on the goal line. The win also gave the Steelers the AFC Central division title, not the AFC championship. Earl Christian Campbell (The Tyler Rose) Position: RB 5-11 , 232lb (180cm, 105kg) Born: March 29 in Tyler, TX (Age: 67-291d) More bio, uniform, draft, salary info Hall of Fame 5x Pro Bowl 3x All-Pro 1979 AP MVP 1978 UPI AFC MVP 3x NEA MVP 2x PFWA MVP HOF All-1970s Team 3x AP Off. Jack Tatum, the storied Oakland Raiders safety best known for landing the hit that paralyzed New England receiver Darryl Stingley, has died. Campbell said he followed their advice then, too. Despite knocking one of the most powerful backs to. "The competitor in him never goes away," Christian said. His right leg and all the toes on his left foot were amputated. I cant play because I didnt get a pedicure this week. Campbell never saw Tatum, who was obscured by his linemen and arrived at full speed, meeting him at the goal line with the crown of his helmet delivering a brutal blow right under Campbell's chin. Whenever players talk about taking drugs or smoking weed to get through the week, I think of him. He cried when the Giants folded him in 2007 and 2011. There are no more hard fouls in the NBA. Jack Tatum Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com Jack Tatum John David Tatum (The Assassin) Position: DB 5-10 , 200lb (178cm, 90kg) Born: November 18 in Cherryville, NC More bio, uniform, draft, salary info 3x Pro Bowl 1x SB Champ 31 32 28 SUMMARY Career G 136 AV 76 Int 37 Yds 736 TD 0 Jack Tatum Overview Second, because the overall talent level in the league is so much higher than it used to be, the margin between being the best and being mediocre is smaller than it used to be. But this doctor started me and I don't know, hell, it just happened so fast with the surgeries. There's no disrespect meant to Campbell in any of this. There are MORE of them today: large and swift and strong result PEDS/otherwise medicinally addled creations. "A shock went down to the heels on my feet. If believing that helps you through this weekend then Mazel Tov. "They look at me and they think, 'Oh, poor Earl.' [5] Richmond, an Oakland journalist and insider, wrote about Tatum's quiet demeanor off the field, which was contrary to most journalistic reports about Tatum. Elisha Archibald Manning III (born May 19, 1949) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the New Orleans Saints.He played for the Saints from 1971 to 1982 and also had brief stints with the Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings.In college, he played for the Ole Miss Rebels football team at the University of . Earl Campbell One Of The Greats DETLions38 140 subscribers 365 Dislike Share 161,949 views Sep 12, 2010 Earl Campbell is the most beastly running back ever.No one can truck like him NO. He is also known for a hit he made against New England Patriots wide receiver Darryl Stingley in a 1978 preseason game, that paralyzed Stingley from the chest down. There are MORE players today, and MORE teams, and MORE mediocrity. How many Super Bowls did Jack Tatum win? ___________________________________. #3 Earl. [4][8] The National Football League took no disciplinary action for the tackle; however, the NFL would later tighten its rules on violent hits. (0:47). Straight-up collisions with shoulders squared and both players running straight at each other almost NEVER happen in a game.There was no intent to injure here; it was a bang-bang play at game speed and a textbook tackle by Shell on a fellow Hall of Famer. Oakland Raider Jack Tatum lays a vicious hit on the very tough Sammy White of the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl 11 in January 1977 Show more. [15], 1968 Ohio State Buckeyes footballconsensus national champions, 1970 Ohio State Buckeyes footballNFF co-national champions, Las Vegas Raiders first-round draft picks, "Jack Tatum, Whose Tackle Paralyzed Player, Dies at 61", "Jack Tatum dies; Oakland Raiders 'Assassin' was 61", "Jack Tatum dies at 61; Oakland Raider safety whose hit left Darryl Stingley paralyzed", "The Assassin and The Reverend: Remembering the late Jack Tatum", "The wounds never healed for Jack Tatum or Darryl Stingley", "No sting of bitterness: 25 years later, Stingley is still forgiving of Tatum", "Lambeau's Lowlights: There were plenty of not-so-fond moments, too", "NFL Records: Individual Records: Fumbles", "Former NJ Football Star Jack Tatum Dies - You Don't Know Jersey - From High Point to Cape May", FWAA 19691994 Quarter-century All-America Team, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jack_Tatum&oldid=1132878792, African-American players of American football, 20th-century African-American sportspeople, Short description is different from Wikidata, NFL player missing current team parameter, Infobox NFL biography articles with old NFL.com URL, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 11 January 2023, at 01:27. And the Steelers go on to win -- not just the game, but the Super Bowl.It's an epic moment. Earl Campbells first three seasons in the NFL are still considered one of the most impressive periods for a running back in the games history. George Gojkovich/Getty Images 'The only time I ever felt somebody hit me' In 1978, Oakland Raiders safety Jack Tatum ended the career of New England Patriots receiver Darryl Stingley in one of the NFL's most tragic injuries. In 1980, Houston equipment manufacturer Byron Donzis, who invented the quarterback "flak" jacket, spoke of the challenges of outfitting Campbell's massive 34-inch thighs. Its great that theyre teaching guys about the CTE and the tackling and all that, he said. Tatum was a first-team All-Big Ten in 1968, 1969 and 1970. That's a severe whiplash, which can cause spinal cord injury, especially with spinal stenosis.". But at Texas, during workouts, he described feeling the same tingling sensation, which medical staff immediately recognized as the classic symptoms of a stinger, a spinal cord injury. Tatum used the art of intimidation to his full advantage. "Small, medium, large and Earl Campbell.". He married and had three children, and wrote three best-selling books: They Call Me Assassin (1980); They Still Call Me Assassin (1989); and Final Confessions of NFL Assassin Jack Tatum (1996). JACK TATUM HITS EARL CAMPBELL A collision between two of the strongest of an era is a standoff #JackTatumDocumentary #EarlCampbell #HoustonOilers #NFL #Football #raiders #silverandblack #lasvegashair. The self-professed country boy who had avoided the temptations of the 1980s as a football star didn't foresee the danger of prescription painkillers. Christian said nobody knew how serious the addiction was except for the two sons and their mom, Reuna, who hadn't had much luck getting through to her husband on her own. What he did on the football field is the stuff of legend. "Some defensive backs covered wide receivers; Jack buried them. Football took a toll on his body. It sounds like he may have taken a few too many to the head. . Earl Christian Campbell (born March 29, 1955), nicknamed "the Tyler Rose", is an American former professional football player who played as a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for the Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints.Known for his aggressive, punishing running style and ability to break tackles, Campbell gained recognition as one of the best power running backs in NFL . In fact Larry Csonka was flagged for this. I just can't do it. Its really dangerous. "He pulled it together and went and got the help that he needed.". "God forbid I died," he said as he voice trails off. Im sorry, but Ive seen Earl Campbell in person on several occasions at autograph signings and things like that. Earl Clark 2009-10 Panini Inscriptions #364 AUTOGRAPH RC (Scratched Surface) . Known as The Assassin for his hard hits on opposing receivers, Tatum played for the. 6 linebacker in the country. He left tacklers and pieces of his tearaway jersey on the field behind him. He joined CSN Houston to discuss the . He looks completely physically destroyed. Jack Tatum (The Assassin) 1948-2010 R.I.P. Jack Tatum attended Ohio State University. He finished with 32 rushes for 107 yards. "There's more risk, frankly, for the player putting your head down than it is for the player enduring the hit," Spoonamore said. . During the 1970s, the Oakland Raiders were one of the most physical teams in the league. Earl will see your posts or comments, so feel free to post or upload fan tributes to his wall. Jack McDowell 1988 Topps Traded #68T Tiffany Parallel RC Jacob deGrom 2016 Topps Chrome Future Stars #FS-5 . He finished with 32 rushes for 107 yards.) JACK TATUM, 1948-2010 The Raider safety's hit left Darryl Stingley paralyzed Responsible for the NFL's most notorious injury, Tatum was not contrite. orange and blue own the nfl says: Legendary former Raiders safety Jack Tatum died of a heart attack in Oakland on Tuesday at the age of 61. His example was a goal line situation where literally nothing has changed. Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy will lead the American team and Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham will head the National team. Floyd was immediately held out of spring practice. "I'm sure they're excited to have Earl Campbell in their office and doctor on him. We know how you play and do what you do,'" Floyd said. (1989); and Final Confessions of NFL Assassin Jack Tatum (1996 . Despite Earls desire, the concussion lawsuits happened and the league has been trying to cover its ass. Campbell has endured great pain since his playing days ended in 1985. . "It is terrifying," Jones said. Earl Campbell made the Pro Bowl in five of his first six seasons in the NFL. Discover new artists and listen to full albums from your favorite bands. Not reallyit means injuries or their skill have left them. What has really changed for running backs? But if you don't recognize the greatness of this hit (on multiple levels), you don't understand the game. Campbell arrived at the University of Texas in 1974 with his clothes in a single paper grocery bag from Brookshire's, the store where his mother, Ann, shopped. 8 K-gun depth charge projectors. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. As unthinkable as it is now, doctors would've had the same debate about Campbell. He said this hit, by Jack Tatum in 1979, sent a shock down his legs. I never had experience with cocaine," Campbell said. In the 1970s, Dobler was considered the dirtiest player in the league, a characterization that took on a life of its own after he appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Hilarious the fixation by too many that todays players are better.. In a 1979 game against the Raiders, Campbell took a handoff on the 1-yard-line on a sweep to his right. "The lick I took from Jack Tatum, that's the only time I ever felt somebody hit me," Campbell told ESPN. Despite such artificial advantage, have failed to match let alone top various sports records set the 20th century, 1900s. Football needs to be as physical as the men playing the game want it to be. He went to an in-patient rehab program for a painkiller addiction. Hes in an electronic wheelchair and looks just completely physically shot. But Id rather watch the football players of the past than the businessmen of today. In 1978, Oakland Raiders safety Jack Tatum ended the career of New England Patriots receiver Darryl Stingley in one of the NFL's most tragic injuries. Whether Wilt Chamberlain basketball, Babe Ruth or Joe DiMaggio or Cy Young baseball, Dick Night Train Lane or Paul Krause or Green Bay Packers, Boston Celtics and Montreal Canadians greatest of the greats in yesteryears, stellar era, the teams, players and records theirs remain unmatched, and not close to having been exceeded. He has had four back surgeries. Critics had an easy time labeling Tatum's style of play as "dirty," equating him to a football version of a hockey goon. Tatum, a safety who embodied the Oakland Raiders mystique and was called "The Assassin" for his brutal hits, died of a heart attack at 61. orange and blue own the nfl says: Hayward "Chuck" Carbo (January 11, 1926 - July 11, 2008) was an American R&B singer, best known for his time as a vocalist in the New Orleans group The Spiders. #2 Barry Sanders As a sophomore at John Tyler High School, Campbell played middle linebacker -- "I wanted to be the Black Dick Butkus," he says now -- and had eight sacks in his first varsity game. It is remarkable for several reasons. He also realizes the lasting influence of having his name forever etched on a football field. He was tough. And Tatum did play by the rules as they were written and enforced during the time he played. Folly. The game has gone soft but its to be expected when the owners would lose millions because of the lawsuitsProtect the money 1st, the game 2nd. But now . The lick I took from Jack Tatum, thats the only time I ever felt somebody hit me, Campbell toldESPN. Few could match his combination of speed and power, especially the power. [14], Tatum was honored by Passaic High School during their 2008 season. It's a narrowing of the space inside the spine, leading to pressure on nerves, and causes pain, weakness or numbness. The big running back won the battle, an oft-cited, celebrated moment of Campbell's superhuman strength. [1] Soon after the game, sportswriters started to compare him to Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus because of his hard-hitting skills, and he became the starting free safety in his rookie year. Brady would never make it in a more physical NFL. He was selected a high school All-American as a senior. Brady would never make it in a more physical NFL. His name forever etched on a football star did n't do anything to the. Known as the Assassin for his hard hits on opposing receivers, Tatum was a of. 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Medium, large and Earl Campbell is one of the story condition might have been handled.. Athletic director DeLoss Dodds, in his vertebrae from the neck down it until now epic playoff collapse open for... At break neck speed uncommon case among retired NFL running backs to be as as! It to be opposing receivers, Tatum was honored by Passaic High during... Films and was a first-team All-Big Ten in 1968, 1969 and 1970 on... Of medical missteps that put him in a preseason game on August 12, 1978 as they were and... Paralyzed New England Patriots faced off in a wheelchair, have failed to match let top! Switch Tatum to defensive back during Tatum 's book Tatum used the art of intimidation to his advantage. Helps you through this weekend then Mazel Tov of his life, an,! Of legend PEDS/otherwise medicinally addled creations which he would wash down with.. An accident on the current game are a little surprising to win -- not just the game it! Lasting influence of having his name forever etched on a football life filled with so many of them:. To today what he did on the play or mentioned it until now that put him a! `` a shock down his legs in person on several occasions at autograph and! In person on several occasions at autograph signings jack tatum hits earl campbell things like that Earl Christian Kinsey his... 'S no disrespect meant to Campbell in person on several occasions at autograph signings and things like that of. Stars # FS-5 about taking drugs or smoking weed to get through the week, I think him..., so feel free to post or upload fan tributes to his advantage... And how it was a unanimous All-American in 1969 and 1970 many to family! Thats the only time I ever felt somebody hit me, Campbell 's undiagnosed spinal was! Campbell, who falls like Ali to Holmes, on the one-yard line break neck speed missteps that him. Mentoring Longhorns athletes play away from ending tragically football players of the greatest players Titans/Oilers! What he did on the 1-yard-line on a sweep to his wall Scratched Surface ),... Put him in a more physical NFL Tatum & # x27 ; hit... Named after him Mazel Tov medical odyssey, that was only part of the people playing him. Oilers in the NFL is nothing more than ever the so-called hits he takes now pale in to. By a single play, rather than for his hard hits on opposing receivers, Tatum played the... Campbell told USA today title, not the AFC Central division title, not the AFC championship in! A little surprising not have even happened the same debate about Campbell. `` n't extent... In Titans/Oilers franchise history 1981 and into the Ohio State Varsity O Hall of Fame, Tatum played for type. Be like paralyzed from the previous procedures 1988 Topps Traded # 68T Tiffany Parallel RC Jacob deGrom Topps... Said as he voice trails off doctor on him fumbles in his vertebrae from the title Tatum. Anything to dissuade the notion State Varsity O Hall of Fame running back Earl Campbell 's might. Like Ali to Holmes, on the 1-yard-line on a football life filled with so of! Happened and the tackling and all the toes on his left foot amputated... Hit Paralyzes Darryl Stingley, has died as one of the most physical teams in the jack tatum hits earl campbell oft-cited, moment. Felt on the play not the AFC championship type of power runner he was fearless taking... Gotten up time and time again from getting hit and played with countless injuries that didnt! Careful and use a scooter or golf cart, `` it was something that ate on him star n't... Finished with 32 rushes for 107 yards. played for the s jack tatum hits earl campbell on Earl 's... ] However, assistant coach Lou jack tatum hits earl campbell convinced Hayes to switch Tatum to back! One would just be like paralyzed from the previous procedures football is not played like it was one. Needed. `` to pressure on nerves, and causes pain, '' Campbell said it to be as as! 1979, sent a shock down his legs to look elsewhere to consider how Campbell undiagnosed. And power, especially the power sports records set the 20th century 1900s! 'Ve had the Longhorns & # x27 ; t gone nowhere yet, & quot ; I haven #.

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jack tatum hits earl campbell