In an excerpt from Saturday's Dallas Morning News story about a gathering on Heisman Trophy winners in Austin to honor him, Earl Campbell perhaps said one of his most meaningful quotes in regards to the modern college athlete. The 1977 Heisman winner was asked about former Longhorn QB Vince Young--and it almost seems like baiting by the reporter-- Campbell's quote was striking: " Athletes are great when they get a degree."
Now, yes, I whole-heartedly agree with Campbell that college athletes are great when they get a degree. It's one of the few things that gives some air of academic integrity to an otherwise minor league system for the professional sports. At the same time, Dallas TV sports anchor Dale Hanson said it best when Young was trying to decide on returning to the 40 Acres or going pro- "If he (Young) can't figure out that it's in his best interest to go pro, then he NEEDS another year of education". The hard, cold truth is that Young was at his most marketable point when he declared for the draft and avoided any unnecessary risks that a 4th season would bring in Austin. And no matter what a teacher says, a degree from any university very rarely will pay in the $58 Million over 6 years that the NFL did.
Of course in that same article, Campbell confesses to wearing an average of 20-25 tear away jersey PER GAME while at UT--- something that A&M, OU & Texas Tech fans have been screaming for years. Either way, Campbell is a good man from a different era. And he's a pretty good cook. Next time in Austin for a game, be sure to grab some of his BBQ-- or else.
Do you want to anger this man? Then buy some BBQ!
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