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Top 30 NFL Players of the 1980s

By Jarrett Bailey

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 30: Lawrence Taylor #56 of the New York Giants in action against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game September 30, 1990 at The Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Taylor played for the Giants from 1981-93. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 30: Lawrence Taylor #56 of the New York Giants in action against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game September 30, 1990 at The Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Taylor played for the Giants from 1981-93. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
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Running back Earl Campbell of the Houston Oilers looks for room to run in a 31 to 34 pre-season loss to the Dallas Cowboys on 08/27/1983. (Photo by A. Kaye/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
Running back Earl Campbell of the Houston Oilers looks for room to run in a 31 to 34 pre-season loss to the Dallas Cowboys on 08/27/1983. (Photo by A. Kaye/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

24. Earl Campbell

When you hear the name Earl Campbell, you think of power. In one of the most iconic moments of all time, Campbell ran through the Rams defense before finally being brought down as his jersey exploded into several pieces. That is Earl Campbell defined in a single run- relentless, refusing to go down, and leaving carnage in his wake.

The former No. 1 overall pick came into the decade fresh off two consecutive All-Pro selections, an Offensive Rookie of the Year season, and a 1979 season that saw him win the NFL MVP. He led the NFL in rushing attempts in yards in 1980, running for a staggering 1,934 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was named All-Pro for the third consecutive season and won his third Offensive Player of the Year award.

Campbell made two more Pro Bowls in the decade in 1981 and 1983. He was selected to five Pro Bowls and named an All-Pro on three occasions. He retired with over 9,400 yards on the ground and 74 rushing touchdowns. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991, and is one of the great power runners in NFL history.

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