Earl Campbell, son raise awareness for MS
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Football legend Earl Campbell is fighting several battles off the field these days.
This week, the former Longhorn and NFL star is beginning treatment for a progressive nerve condition. The treatment comes as he continues to help his son, Tyler, in his fight with multiple sclerosis.
Tyler Campbell comes from a family of fighters. His father, football legend Earl Campbell, began working with two of the University of Texas strength coaches in March to make it to mid field for the coin toss during the Longhorn's football game against New Mexico Sept. 8.
He was able to accomplish that goal thanks to those coaches.
“When I go to the university, I never mess with that walker. They make me do it all on the crutch,” Football Legend Earl Campbell said. “All I had to do was show up so my part was pretty easy.”
Life hasn't been easy for the hall of famer. His body took a beating during his NFL career as a running back with the Houston Oilers and later the New Orleans Saints, suffering severe back and knee pain.
“I did something to my body to get that, and you know what I did to it. I think some of it came from football, playing the way that I did,” Campbell said.
After undergoing extensive testing at a Houston hospital doctors recently determined Campbell also suffers from a progressive neurological disorder that affects the nerves in his arms and legs.
The 1977 Heisman Trophy winner’s son, Tyler, has multiple sclerosis, and despite all the hardships his father is enduring, Campbell showed up to support his son Tuesday.
“I’m so blessed to have a family who wants to join my fight,” Tyler Campbell said.
Tuesday, they both presented a $60,000 check to help students diagnosed with MS or who have parents suffering from the disease.
“We really wanted to make an impact on national MS society, and when a Campbell says something, it’s going to get done. Now you’re seeing that it’s getting done,” Tyler Campbell said.
Earl Campbell helps raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's scholarship program. To learn how you can get involved with their mission, click here.