Heartbreak in Texas: Longhorns Legend Tim Campbell, Beloved Brother of Earl Campbell, Passes Away at 68

Heartbreak in Texas: Longhorns Legend Tim Campbell Passes Away at 68

Tyler, Texas – A somber cloud hangs over Longhorn Nation as it mourns the loss of Tim Campbell, a Texas football legend and one of the fiercest pass rushers in program history. Campbell, a former All-Southwest Conference defensive lineman, passed away on Sunday after a courageous battle with cancer in his hometown of Tyler, Texas. He was 68 years old.

The news is especially devastating for those who remember the Campbell brothers—Tim, his twin Steve, and their legendary older brother Earl Campbell. Raised by Ann Campbell as part of a family of 11 children, the three brothers shared an unbreakable bond, forged through football and strengthened by their journey from John Tyler High School to the University of Texas.

A Family United, A Legacy Cemented

Tim and Steve arrived in Austin one year after Earl, and together, they carved out their own legacies—though always in the shadow of their Heisman-winning brother. The three were recruited by the same assistant coach, Ken Dabbs, and quickly became part of Darrell Royal’s storied Longhorn teams.

Earl and Mother told us it was our decision,” Tim once told The New York Times in 1977. “She kept saying she wasn’t telling us to go to Texas, but it would be nice if all three brothers were at the same school. Earl had another reason. He told us it had to be our decision because if we came to Texas and didn’t like it, we’d fault him and not ourselves for coming.

Everything worked out. Tim Campbell became one of the best defensive players in Texas history, ranking second all-time with 39.5 career sacks. His best season came in 1977, when he set a then-school record 14 sacks and was named first-team All-Southwest Conference. That same year, Earl rushed for 1,744 yards, scored 19 touchdowns, and won the Heisman Trophy.

A Lifetime of Memories on the Field

Some of the Campbell brothers’ biggest moments came together. In 1975, both Earl and Tim delivered unforgettable performances in the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl, leading Texas to a 38-21 victory over Colorado.

Tim blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown, while Earl caught a pass from Marty Akins for the ensuing two-point conversion. Their dominance was undeniable, and their connection was undeniable.

Reflecting on their time at Texas, Earl Campbell spoke with deep emotion:

“I was able to build memories with my brothers. Steve and Tim came to Austin the year after me, but my mom trusted [Dabbs and Royal] so much that she sent three of her 11 children to Austin—and the university changed our lives. Do your homework on the twins. They could play some ball. Both undersized, but they could get after it.”

Even Darrell Royal recognized the Campbell family’s impact on the program. After that Bluebonnet Bowl victory, he made a heartfelt statement that still resonates today:

“I would like to put in a vote for Ann Campbell,” Royal said. “She gave us three good ones.”

A Texas Icon, Gone But Never Forgotten

The passing of Tim Campbell is a painful reminder of time’s relentless march, but his legacy lives on—in Longhorn history, in the hearts of his family, and in the memories of those who watched him dominate on the field.

Today, Texas football mourns, but it also honors a life well-lived, a brotherhood unlike any other, and a player whose impact will never fade.

Rest in peace, Tim Campbell. Texas will never forget you.

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