While Earl may not have been the best running back in the history of the NFL, in my opinion he belongs in the conversation. Because of his style of running he was not going to have a long NFL carrer. However for a few years when he was in Houston he was as good as anybody to ever play. He was a beast who actually had great speed for a man his size.

Watching this big sumbitch run was one of the great pleasures of my life. I never get tired of watching highlights of this guy. The following includes his "17 yards of Death" run against the Rams which is probably my favorite image of the NFL. Its just after the one minute mark, and ends with his jersey ripped off. That and the hit by notorious assassin Jack Tatum that slows but doesn't stop him from scoring.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWKtv4gxuvQ

Frighteningly good, an absolute monster. Amongst the first great players I was aware of as a kid.

Not the best but worthy of the all-time list. It was scary to watch him run through people. Remember the 15 Yard run through the Rams defense? Campbell was a bowling ball and they were the pins.

Earl and Bum, that was the good old days of Texas football. Earl's run vs Miami on MNF was one of the most memorable moments of the NFL in the 70s.

Absolutely Dominant! From the Heisman Trophy at Texas to Rookie of the Year and MVP of the NFL for the Houston Oilers in two years. The total package. Speed, strength and stamina. Caught the ball out of the backfield. Did it all. Got burnt out by too many touches and ridiculous pounding he took in Bum Phillips' offense. Still rushed for nearly 10,000 yards when most defenses were geared to stop him. Should get more respect in votes such as these. Is at least top five of all time and in my humble opinion, the best ever. Would you want him coming at you in the open field??