Houston Oilers, Texas Longhorns Legend Earl Campbell Clears Up Health Rumors

The 70-year-old football icon dispels false reports about his well-being.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:39pm

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Earl Campbell, a beloved figure in Houston Oilers and Texas Longhorns history, took to social media to shut down false rumors about his health, assuring fans that "my health is great." The 70-year-old Hall of Famer, known as the "Tyler Rose," recently made public appearances at the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award banquet and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, dispelling reports that he had been hospitalized.

Why it matters

As a legendary player in Texas football history, Earl Campbell's health and well-being are of great interest to fans across the state. The spread of false rumors on social media highlights the importance of verifying information, especially when it concerns the status of beloved public figures.

The details

Campbell, who won a Heisman Trophy at the University of Texas and played seven seasons for the Houston Oilers, took to his verified Facebook account to address the rumors, stating: "Please don't believe the rumors, I am doing just fine and have not been hospitalized for anything." The false reports originated from fake social media accounts, similar to previous fabricated stories about other Texas sports figures.

  • On January 22, 2026, Campbell made an appearance at the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award banquet in his hometown of Tyler.
  • In November 2025, Campbell visited the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

The players

Earl Campbell

A legendary football player who starred for the Houston Oilers and University of Texas Longhorns, and is a member of the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame, College Football Hall of Fame, and Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Haynes King

The 2026 recipient of the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, given to the top college player on offense with ties to the state of Texas.

Joe Greene

The first recipient of the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Legends Award.

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What they’re saying

“Please don't believe the rumors, I am doing just fine and have not been hospitalized for anything. My health is great.”

— Earl Campbell (Facebook)

The takeaway

This case highlights the need to verify information, especially regarding the health and well-being of public figures, before spreading rumors on social media. Earl Campbell's active participation in events and his direct denial of the false reports demonstrate the importance of relying on authoritative sources and official statements when it comes to matters of public interest.